I am very impressed with the quality of this Assam from the Borengajuli estate.  This one of the very best black Assam teas I’ve ever tried, and I have tasted quite a few!

The aroma is pleasant enough, with delicate hints of sweet fruit (although this is an unflavored tea).  However, where this tea really impresses me is in its deep, rich color and of course, its outstanding flavor.  It is a very robust Assam — most Assam teas are rather brisk — with an excellent malty quality that is unmatched in many of the Assam teas I’ve been privileged to try.

When I first poured the tea into my teacup, I was quite astounded at the color of the tea.  It is a very dark, burgundy-black color that I’ve rarely seen in a black tea (which, despite the moniker “black”, tend to brew to either a brown, reddish, or coppery colored cup).  I knew that I was in for a very rich, bold cup of tea.

And the flavor is indeed rich and bold.  The malty notes to this tea are extraordinarily intense, a characteristic that is further intensified with the addition of milk or cream (or dairy substitution of your choice).  The astringency to this tea is also nicely softened by this addition.

Culinary Teas describes this tea as:

Malty with a jammy-like flavor best describes this premium Assam tea. The tea is vacuum-packed at the Borengajuli Estate capturing the pungent 2nd flush flavor at its peak.

I was also quite impressed when I read more about this tea here.  What especially interested me was the great attention dedicated to the vacuum-sealing process.  Tea tends to lose its flavor quite rapidly, so it is reassuring to learn that the Borengajuli estate is dedicated to preserving the qualities of this extraordinary Assam.

While the Culinary Teas website suggests serving this tea either hot or chilled, I rather prefer it hot.  That might be due to the weather, but, I also feel that Assam teas tend to lose some of their malty, coppery appeal as they cool.  A tea of such fine quality deserves to be served in a manner in which its flavors can be savored, and in my opinion, that means serving it hot.

This tea is certainly good served with no addition of sugar or cream, and would be appreciated by those who like their teas strong.  I prefer my tea a little on the softer side, so I did add a little agave nectar and cream.  As I said before in this review, the cream especially highlights the profound malty tone to this tea, and as such, I highly recommend this addition!

The strength of this tea makes it a perfect choice as a breakfast tea.  It’s vibrant flavor will really get you going!