2 years ago, I purchased Positively Tea's Assam which is really nice stuff (definitely higher up on the quality compared to others) and at an amazing price. 1 pound of tea goes a long way, so now that I am out of Assam, I was in the market to buy more tea.
I really was torn between buying this Nilgiri tea or more Assam. Their Assam is highly rated/popular, and I know I love it. Plus it's cheaper at $17.95 compared to the much less rated Nilgiri which is lower quality FBOP (broken) at $18.95. Nilgiri doesn't have nearly as strong a name as Assam does across all brands and borders. Perhaps it's a supply/demand thing for the price/quality discrepancy. I don't know. In any case, it was a bit of gamble investing into a pound of this Nilgiri.
I am really happy I bought this tea. It has a flavor I have never experienced in a tea. It isn't as malty or quite as strong as Assam teas are, but it stands really high. The flavor is still pretty strong, but it has a pleasant spice to it that reminds me of coca cola. I brewed it for 5 minutes at just under boiling, and it had almost no bitterness. The company advertises that it goes perfectly as iced tea and I can already tell that this is the case.
Positively tea described this tea exactly as it came to me. I would definitely buy again and think it is for sure worth it to anyone who wants to try a new tea. I think this tea is highly underrated and worth exploring into.
Update** Summer 2022 Assam variety
I bought another bag of their Assam which I last purchased in 2018. Back then I loved it, and the new bag in 2022 is the same as far as I remember. Its got the classic strong malty flavor of an Assam tea but also quite bitter with lots of astringency compared to other Assam teas I have had. I enjoy it most served hot with no additions in a tiny cup. Very eligble for milk or sweetening if you're in to that.
If you wish to brew this for iced tea, you definitely want to add a small dash of baking soda to it. I posted a picture of what it looks like with baking soda vs not. The baking soda prevents it from getting cloudy when cooled. It also curbs some of the bitterness which helps mellow it out. For me, it's borderline undrinkable on its own without the baking soda (when served cold/over ice). Other tea brands/varieties hold up better when iced. If you're looking at making iced tea, I'd recommend Vahdam English Breakfast loose leaf tea. It's a step higher on quality/price and has a great flavor. The flavor actually improved the longer I had it. Also less bitter than this Assam.
Product contains at least 95% organic material.
As certified by
USDA Organic
USDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.
