Fall has arrived under a grey blanket sky. We’re in a rainy weather pattern here in New England and I don’t think we’re supposed to see the sun for a week. It’s a good day for a rich, warm Assam black tea in my morning cup, this one from the Banaspaty estate, a small organic tea garden tucked into the hills of Kabi Anglong district in northeast India.
This particular Assam is a broken leaf tea so I steeped it for only 3 minutes in boiling point (212 F) water. Assams have such a gorgeous russet color, don’t they? It reminds me of the warm colors of the setting sun.
The wet leaf has a pronounced malty aroma, foretelling of its rich malty flavor notes. As I took my first sip, I detected a crisp astringency that could be enjoyed plain or toned down with a splash of milk.
There’s nothing like a pot of tea to brighten up a gloomy day.
As my tea cooled, some fruity hints were revealed, darkly sweet like the sweetness of raisins. We’ve just received a big shipment from India so I look forward to reviewing more Assams in the weeks to come. Shall I make October Assam month? Or do you like to read about a different type of tea every week? I welcome your feedback!
Have a wonderful week, dear tea friends…
“The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.” ~Thomas Moore
Art and Tea 
Assam tea if my favorite , but I like a orange pekoe mix and suggestions ?
As an artist, I love what you did with the tea grounds (heart) in the center of the dish.
Love it! And I vote for Assam month – or better yet, “Karen’s pick of the new India arrivals month!”
Mmm, this tea sounds yummy, especially on a cool morning. Assam teas are definitely out of “comfort zone” so to speak. I agree with Judy; nice tea leaf heart.
I personally have not tried the Assam teas. But would love to. Check out my blog tomorrow when I feature your blog as one of my “Blogs to Cherish…” I would have sent you a personal comment but since I am new at this could not figure out how!
Thanks for your question, Rick. Are you referring to a Ceylon tea?
Thanks Judy!
Thanks for your feedback, Kevin! New India arrivals month it is! 🙂
Thanks Amy!
Thank you so much for featuring my blog, Laurie. You’re so kind!
I’m a bit prejudiced against Assams because I don’t like the astringent flavor. I tend to note ‘bitter’ flavors quite easily, hence I take my tea with a bit of sugar.
I also – being a Continental European and such – drink my tea without milk so I don’t often get the chance to blunt the astringent taste.
Even so, I have an open mind and if you can ‘convert’ me to trying some Assams, I’d love to hear suggestions!
But a beautiful, warm color it is!
All the best,
This Good Life
OMG! That heart image made my heart skip a beat in joy. Lovely photos. Yes, it’s time for the autumn teas! I had a chance to drink the monsoon teas in Darjeeling, just having finished the harvest. Thank you for your encouraging comment on my blog!
Thanks for visiting, This Good Life, and sharing your thoughts on Assams. Stay tuned for more Assam reviews! I don’t care for the astringency of some Assams either so I recommend going for the ones that are described as being “smooth”. You can also steep them for less time in water slightly below boiling and see what you think.
Thanks Steph! How wonderful that you had the opportunity to drink a Darjeeling tea in Darjeeling. You’re very welcome and I’m looking forward to hearing about your tea journey!