Country of Origin: Indonesia
Leaf Appearance: small, dark and slightly rolled
Ingredients: black tea
Steep time: 30 seconds
Water Temperature: 212 degrees
Preparation Method: porcelain gaiwan
Liquor: dark amber
I’ve really been enjoying the selections from Tea At Sea because Indonesian teas are fairly hard to come by. I was expecting something a bit on the strong side but it was surprisingly mellow. The taste was light yet complex with notes of malt and smoke. The sweet, woody aftertaste almost reminded me of rooibos in a very strange way. I found myself testing longer and longer infusions but it never got bitter or unpleasant. I prepare almost all of the teas that I review using a gaiwan but this is one that I think would actually do better when brewed in a plain ol’ infuser basket. Their recommended steep time is 5 to 8 minutes so I would lean towards the higher end This is definitely one that won’t need milk and sugar with. It would become much too watered down. I know that I said this last time, but I still can’t get over those cute little cork sail boats! Mine keeps me company on my desk at home and it always makes me smile.
Mountain Organic Indonesian Black sample provided by Tea At Sea.