It smells really caramelly in the tin. The little candy squares are kinda cute, they remind me of the Dammann Freres Caramel-Toffee.
It tastes just fine, but the one thing it doesn’t have going for it is that indescribable French thing that Dammann Freres and Kusmi both have. I would describe this as an “every day” caramel. It’s quite good, the flavor is exactly as described, but something about the way the blend is put together makes it taste less than exceptional. If I were going to have an every day caramel this would be a fine choice. I can’t understand why I’d do that, though, when I could have have something extraordinary instead?
I think Upton is a solid tea company, but I’m finding in general that I think they excel more at unflavored teas. Whereas I think the reverse tends to be true of the French companies, if my recent Mariage Freres experience with English Breakfast is any indicator.
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I wholeheartedly agree w.your assessment. Some of the blends I have ordered from Upton like Pretoria? were the worst/vile tasting ever. But Upton does not blend – it only imports from Germany., And those French companies, with the unflavored teas, seem to charge top dollar for so-so quality.
Glad to have a reality check, thanks! I sometimes wonder whether I’m the only one who reaches the conclusions I reach. :-)
I wholeheartedly agree w.your assessment. Some of the blends I have ordered from Upton like Pretoria? were the worst/vile tasting ever. But Upton does not blend – it only imports from Germany., And those French companies, with the unflavored teas, seem to charge top dollar for so-so quality.
Glad to have a reality check, thanks! I sometimes wonder whether I’m the only one who reaches the conclusions I reach. :-)