Name: Nilgiri
Brand: Teas Etc
Type: Black tea
Form: Loose leaf
Cost: $4.95 for a one ounce tin, $7.95 for three ounces
Review: Despite its bad reputation in some quarters, I like Nilgiri black tea. Yes, Nilgiri can sometimes be too smooth, producing a flabby, uninteresting brew. Yet, when done properly, it can have a smooth, rich quality that is both comforting and indulgent.
Teas Etc’s Nilgiri is a blend of orange pekoe and broken orange pekoe leaves: Its dry nose is of white pepper, tobacco and a hint of black cherry. It infuses to a pretty, coppery liquor with a spicy, slightly fruity nose.
Unlike many Nilgiris, this tea’s smoothness is tempered by a bit of astringency, as well as a slightly bitter backnote. Its flavor continues in the spirit of the nose with spicy, tobacco-y, and black cherry notes.
As expected, it makes a fine, substantial iced tea (most Nilgiris do). It stands up well-enough to milk, though I would suggest using just a very little bit of milk. . .any more than a drop or two will overwhelm some of the tea’s more delicate nuances. Sugar is not advisable.
As usual, I preferred this tea without milk or sugar, and found that its slight bitterness and astringency gave it nice kick: Assam lovers should give this tea a try, as should those trying to wean themselves off coffee.
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