Spectacular flavor and elegant styling mark this old-friend-to-us Assam tea. We recently received a new shipment of this delicious tea based on a diverse group of 2nd Flush Assam teas that we were tasting. It is from a special lot of SFTGFOP grade mid-to-large size leaf, from one of our long-time favorite producers.
We were struck by the clarity of its steeped liquor and the fullness of flavor that this tea shows. It is extremely well-made and the careful handling during manufacture shows in the evenness of the dry leaf and also contributes to its clean and elegant flavor.
This Namsang 2nd Flush Assam has minimal ‘pull’ (the astringency that makes the inside of your mouth feel clean). Rather, the impression one gets from drinking it is more one of smooth richness and solid, full-bodied mouth-feel. We particularly like the flavors we tasted of a mild nuttiness, and its biscuit-y finish. The aroma has a slight suggestion of a ripe pear or bowl of cherries. There is also a slight cocoa or soft chocolate aroma that reminds us of the large leafed eastern China black teas that we love.
Namsang Tea Estate is located in the Upper Assam Valley in northeastern India. It is one of the older tea gardens in Assam and manufactures mainly orthodox leaf for the premium tea trade. The remote situation of this garden shows in the depth of flavor that the leaf contains.
Overall this is a beautiful and delicious tea for both tea drinkers who drink Assam tea regularly, and also those who only drink malty teas occasionally.