Stanley's Blend

I was expecting this to be harsh for some reason so the smoothness and lightness took me by surprise. It tastes like a breakfast tea but is oddly light (I mean, there’s thickness from the Assam but the Darj lightens everything considerably) and kind of straightforward; there isn’t any complexity to the flavor, but it’s not a bad flavor…just straight up “classic black tea” taste with the edges sanded off. Better than I was expecting because there’s no bitterness or astringency, didn’t mind drinking it at all, but I wouldn’t restock because it’s also kind of boring, light on interest. Not bad though.

Good morning Steepster. I was up early and I’ve already had a pot of Kangaita OP and a fruit smoothie with cheesecake matcha in it. I thought I’d revisit the rest of this sample I got a few months ago from H & S but first I had to use a nasal spray and now I cannot taste anything.

I am sorry Stanley — whoever you are — I guess my previous tasting note will have to suffice.

Just a short note for this one! This is a good blend, but there’s not much complexity to talk about (well, not that I can pick up).

I had a little sample of this today – like the Malachi McCormick, this is quite decent! It’s got plenty of malty body thanks to the Assam, with just a hint of Darjeeling to brighten it up. This does get really astringent as it cools, though.

Backlogging this from a week ago (I had written it down, but then ended up at the hospital and had a baby).

I can’t remember having a pure assam before (or even a blend with assam in it), so this is one of my first (if not first) forays into the assam world.

I brewed according to the directions on the tin (boiling water, 5 minute steep) and the resulting liquid was so dark it almost looked like a poorly brewed cup of coffee.

The first sip is smooth, with a hint of malt and a dry finish. I didn’t find it overly tannic, but there’s definitely some tannins in there. I also bought a tin of Harney & Sons Organic Assam, so it will be interesting for me to compare the two. I like this tea, but it’s a little strong for me right off the bat. I think I’ll end up tinkering with amounts/brewing time, etc to get it just right, but it’s a great everyday tea for sure.

Malty, yummy. I don’t think I’ve tried straight Darjeeling yet, so I can’t notice the effect it has on the blend here, besides the blend being slightly less robust than I would expect.

Don’t know how I haven’t logged this tea before. I suppose I do most of my steepster activity while at work, and this is an at-home tin, for now.

This is a well balanced blend of Assam and Darjeeling with a bright, crisp taste. It is full, round and extroverted like Assam but polished, polite and refined like Darjeeling. It is an earthy, hard-working Assam freshly showered and dressed in a Darjeeling tuxedo. It has a slightly sweet finish. This tea is delicious on its own without cream or sugar but takes both well.

Another one of our tea flights for the weekend, Stanley’s blend has a smooth malty flavor of Assam, lightened by Darjeeling.