Malabar Estate Java OP Clonal

Backlog:

One of the teas from February’s Steepster Select box.

Sweet with caramel undertones. Malty. Strong, robust … makes a great pick-me-up sort of tea. Fruit notes (grape) with a dry tail. At mid-sip, I noticed an orange peel sort of flavor, and a very subtle hint of cinnamon.

I’ve never had anything quite like this before. It feels very heavy, if that makes sense, but in a very good way. I liked this a lot.. I definitely notice a grape flavor and a bit of astringency. I loved this even more with some milk (per the packaging’s recommendation).. And I usually do not add milk to my tea.

This black tea has a nice red orange liquor and a very full flavor. The mouthfeel is incredibly thick, almost like half and half, and I’ve added only water to the leaves! The initial taste is quite fruity. I’m getting more of an orange zest flavor than anything, but there’s a red fruit flavor underneath like grapes or a tart strawberry. The finish is somewhat astringent and dry with a slight woodiness. This is definitely a robust tea, leaning on the tangy and tart side.

Another pick from the Steepster Select box.

Pretty standard. Was expecting more of a coffee/bitter brew, but was pleasantly surprised by what seems as a normal breakfast tea. A little astringent, but not too overbearing. I’m getting more of a note of wood than any fruit. The after taste at the back of my tongue is slightly reminiscent of grape skin…a little tart/bitter, but not too fruity. I’m not picking up on the grapes though. Doesn’t need milk or sugar, as it is pleasant on its own, but I will try a little sweetener to see if any more notes come out…

1 sugar in the raw packet seems to make it taste of sweetened wood (huh?) with the slightest note of chocolate toward the tail end. But that might just be the natural molasses in the sugar cane.

Enjoying the last of this February 2014 Steepster Select tea as I sit and wait for the race start. Tea, time to read,and my morning run in before 9 am. It is one way to rock a Saturday morning.

I am enjoying this one a bit more than last time. I still get tannins and a dry finish, but this time I get a bit of citrus/fruit in the middle. Not one I need to keep in my stash, but I wouldn’t turn down another cup.

I am just now digging into my second Steepster select box. I actually cancelled for the time being because I am a bit tealogged at the moment, and I don’t want the tea I have to get old and stale. The tasting notes for this tea mentioned a grape flavor, so I was initially a bit apprehensive. I love grapes, I like wine, but I have never been a fan of grape flavor. However, it is such a natural and subtle note in this tea that I actually enjoy it quite a bit. This tea is a lot of different from other black teas that I usually drink, but not in a bad way. It’s a bit more mellow, with a nice mouthfeel. It’s not too weak or too strong, and the grape keeps it interesting. I am glad this was one of the Steepster choices!

I’ve been having a little bit of an end of the month sipdown party over here, & this is another one. I’m staying in tonight, so I can a few end of the month things done in my office, including updating my tea list & printing out the new ‘Menu’. I’d like to believe that I’m ending the month with less teas than I started with, but that may not be true, as I’ve received several care packages from friends.

Oh, & I’d like to publicly apologize to the people I said I’d send out samples to, and also to the people who have sent me teas that I haven’t gotten around to drinking & posting about yet. I haven’t forgotten you or your teas, I promise!

So the first steeping of this tea is very tasty, fruity, & satisfying. The resteep is just ok.

I’m not a fan of OPs generally, and this did nothing to change my mind. I took it with me as a travel tea though and admit I was grateful to have tea that tasted like tea at all, since you just never know what you’ll get.

First steep reminds me of a very smooth English breakfast, with a slight bitter aftertaste that goes well with the tea. Second steep is a bit more complex with cinnamon and clove undertones. A very nice cup of black tea.

This is just as described on the package,,,,grape and mahogany notes with a dry finish. I taste a hint of orange peel in there as well.
I am a novice to quality black teas but the two I have tried now have been from Upton
Teas and I have been very impressed. Very delicious!!!

From the Steepster Select Box, February 2014