At this point in my learning about both life and tea, I would consider myself to be first and foremost pleasured most by oolong teas. But, this tea is a close second. I was disappoint that my previous favorite black tea at Teavana had been discontinued (Himalayan Majestic) and that I had wasted money on their English breakfast black tea. The salesperson did warn me that the Majestic was the champagne of black teas, and once I’ve tried something as smooth, rich, and lacking any type of bitterness, I can’t go back. In fact, I won’t and I never will.
I have tried many types of black tea but I’ve normally been ambivalent towards them. But, I had to try and replicate my majestic experience. Once I smelled the leaves for Golden Monkey at the store, I immediately picked up on this wonderful chocolate and soon thereafter I was a goner. I had to have this tea!
After spending the morning lingering over my monkey picked oolong, I went to this. What a juxtaposition! Once I brewed this tea I smelled its richness, saw the deep brown clear color and I was pulled back to black tea land. It is nice and smooth, and full-bodied. I love the malty taste too. I tend to enjoy teas that are malty and nutty and not too strong. I think that this black tea is not as strong as others, so if you’re palate is more partial to medium-strength, this black tea might be a good choice. Although I like the vegetal smoothness and contemplation that comes with a cup of monkey picked oolong, I appreciate the zing I get from a cup of golden monkey. I love my black tea with some sugar, and rock sugar worked its magic on this tea – brings out the subtleties and complements the complexity. Well done. A top 10 tea for me!
