ineeka Himalayan Black Intensity (review)

Name: ineeka Whole Leaf Organic Tea, Intensity – Himalayan Black

Brand: ineeka

Type: Black tea

Form: Loose leaf in a specially designed tea paper tea bag

Cost: $10.49 for a box of 14 tea bags

Review: First things first. The good folks at ineeka (based right here in my home city of Chicago) deserve major kudos for their packaging. Their tea is packaged in nifty airtight tins that can easily be reused for tea and for. . .

other items as well. Even better, however, is their tea bag, called a “BrewTache”, which is a paper teabag with cardboard “handles” that fit across the mouth of a teacup or mug. Hot water is poured directly into the BrewTache, and when the tea has infused, it is easily removed. The tea is full-leaf tea, instead of dust and fannings, yet with the convenience of a tea bag.

The tea itself is also pretty nifty: It is a black tea with a medium red-brown color (the brown dominates). The nose is slightly sweet with a hint of cocoa. The body is light to medium. . .probably somewhere between 1 % and 2 % milk, and the taste is sweet, slightly spicy, slightly smoky, and with a bit of cocoa. This tea is pretty faithful to the nose.

Given that the tea is relatively mild, I was a bit surprised by its astringency in the finish.  It is not unpleasant, though, and given that the tea has no bitterness, milk and/or sugar is quite optional.  This is a great after-dinner tea with enough substance for tea-lovers, but no super-strong notes that might perturb a tea novice. Great with desserts.

Recommendation: Delicious, light black tea which works well both with and without milk. Innovative packaging lets those who are intimidated by preparing loose leaf tea appreciate its flavors. Tea tin adds value and can be reused for other teas.

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Tagged as: Black Tea, brewtache, ineeka, tea, tea reviews