The name of this tea from The Tea Shelf is Halmari Clonal and it’s a Black Orthodox Assam Tea during the 2014 growing and monsoon season. The grade is listed as GTGFOP1(SL). Since I usually double the suggested amount because I like my black tea quite strong I took about 2 teaspoons and infused it for about 1 and a half to 2 minutes however the company does suggest 1 teaspoon for about 3 minutes if you are one that follows instructions to a tee (or should I say a TEA). For infusing it is also suggested to stay right around the 90 to 100 degrees C or 195 to 210 F.

Talk about a great Assam! The smell of the golden-tip(py) dry leaf alone was totally worth the sipping experience. It was malty and bread-like or what I like to sometimes refer to as crusty but only subtly-so. Once infused everything seemed to follow suit with the exception of a tiny citrus surprise in mid-sip! The aftertaste is more bold than the beginning of the sip but I really enjoy tasting how the flavor progresses while on my tongue.

The color of the post-infused liquor is that of a medium-reddish-brown. Follow-up infusions are do-able but lighter in color and in flavor but still tasty!  I only had about 5 grams of this tea to sample and I am already craving more! 2 thumbs up on this tea from me!