My final tea from my What-Cha order has finally been reviewed and I’m almost glad I’ve waited this long. A hot, sweet cup of black tea is just what you need when it’s cold outside. Assam Prithvi Small-Holder ‘Golden Tippy’ black tea is described as a typically malty Assam tea with notes of fig.
It’s certified as ‘3rd year in conversion to organic’ by OneCert Asia and is grown by Prithvi small tea growers in the Upper Assam region of Assam, India.
What-Cha Assam Prithvi Small-Holder Tea at a Glance
- Tea: Assam grown by a variety of small-holders, 2nd flush August 2018
- Flavour: Smooth, rich malty black tea with sultana and fig notes
A really good malty Assam tea with fig notes. Not as complex as other Assam teas from What-Cha but still very pleasant and easy to drink without too much attention needed.
Full Review – Assam Prithvi Small-Holder Black Tea
- Type: Loose leaf
- Tea: Assam black tea
- Origin: Prithvi, Upper Assam, India
- Flavour Notes: Smooth, slightly bitter, sultanas, figs, subtle sweetness
- Aroma: Malt, sultanas, fresh black tea, honey, tannins, rich, sticky fruit
- Milk or Lemon: Neither
- Where to Buy: What-Cha
Opening my sample packet (25g of loose leaf) I’m hit with fresh Assam black tea notes. Strong tannins, rich sweetness, and that deep maltiness. It’s a typical Assam aroma with a hint of sultana brightening it up. So far, no fig notes.
It brews into a dark orange-brown colour reminiscent of cinnamon sticks and gingerbread. The wet aroma has developed further with honey, tannins and rich sticky sweet fruits. It’s very warming and has the same effect on you as a spicy chai tea on a cool afternoon.
I take a few sips because it takes a little while for the flavour notes to pull through. The texture is smooth and slightly bitter with lingering tannin black tea notes in the aftertaste. Letting it sit on my tongue, there’s a subtle sweetness and sultana and fig notes swirling around.
A very easy tea to drink while your mind drifts away elsewhere. You could have this stored in the cupboard as an everyday tea. Something to cheer you up.
How to Brew Assam Tea
There are instructions on the bag, making it super easy. 2 teaspoons per cup (1.5 if you’re using a small teacup like me), 95°C water and 3 minutes steeping.
The 95°C water is important. I mentioned there’s a slight bitterness in the flavour – the lower water temperature stops that getting out of control.
I prefer this one without milk, but it’s certainly bold enough to withstand adding some. If you like soy milk (me too) then go ahead and add a splash.
Scones were my food pairing for the What-Cha Assam Prithvi photoshoot – an excellent choice if you have some around.
Why What-Cha Black Tea?
What-Cha is a UK loose leaf tea company with a great range of teas, usually including at least a handful of different Assam teas.
The Assam Prithvi tea arrived neatly in an airtight package with brewing instructions on the front and a harvest date… and a free tea sample too.
I’m always really happy with the quality of tea from What-Cha. There’s international shipping too, for my non-UK readers.
At that time that I’m writing this review, What-Cha has sold out of this blend but luckily you can enter your email address for a notification when it’s back in stock.
Summary
I do recommend this tea as a good, reliable Assam everyday tea. Having tried the other Assam tea selections from What-Cha, I know that there’s better available if you’re looking for something to save for afternoon tea and special occasions!
Tea Recommendation
If classic malty Assam teas with unique twists are your thing, I recommend checking out my What-Cha India Assam Mancotta SFTGFOP-1 clonal black tea review. Sweet malty black tea with notes of raspberry jam. Seriously. Check it out.