Looking for a strong black tea

[snowforts]

Hi there!
I'm looking for some suggestions on really strong black teas. The more "tea" taste, the better. Maybe "earthy" is the word i'm looking for? I'm not a big fan of the sweeter teas, but I'm open to any suggestions.

[cyberhoofer]

Hi there!
I'm looking for some suggestions on really strong black teas. The more "tea" taste, the better. Maybe "earthy" is the word i'm looking for? I'm not a big fan of the sweeter teas, but I'm open to any suggestions.

Jutlibari Premium FTGFOP1 Assam:

http://www.goldentipstea.com/Estore/Pro ... 2&CatID=23


Premium Charcoal Baked Aged Dong Ding Oolong, this is not a black tea, but could please your taste buds, it's extremely earthy, almost espresso like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Premium-Charcoal-Ba ... 3a4c5790a1

[shah82]

Heh, jutlibari is essentially in a class of its own--tannins are part of the show.

There are quite a few assams that can kick a more normal ass, though--Mangalam, Khagorijan, Nahorhabi, Meleng, Marangi, etc...

Personally, I would advise getting taiwanese ruby teas. The cheaper stuff with the not-super-finely-crafted leaf can be very strong and interesting. Camellia Sinesis' Jin Die is an exceptional black with intense fruity/vegetal notes like corn and tomatos. Some Yunnans are pretty strong, like Upton Shiu Jiu. African teas have a tendency to combine strength with ceylon "brightness"--Malawi is getting okay. South American is also making many "robust" teas--Bolivian tea has had some praise on occasion. Tho' I'd rather go for the coca tisane.

[geeber1]

If you want "earthy," I would try Puerh. I don't know much about it, but you can get lots of info and recommendations on the Puerh thread.

[JillDragon]

Assams are strong but they tend to have more of a malty flavour than an earthy one. For that you're better off trying pu-erhs or certain oolongs.

[silverneedles]

looseleaf cooked puer
black tea using more leaf in the infusion

[jackdaniel]

From Adagio, I like the Golden Monkey, Darjeelings, and Assams very much. They are all a bit different. Fairly priced.

I was at the mall getting a gift and stopped in Teavanna (no hate mail, please). I picked up the Himilayan Majestic and Assam Melody. Both are good.

Everyone seems to be all over the place on recommendations, but any Darjeeling or Assam from India will be rather good since they are know for black tea (thank the Brits). Purchase from a reputable dealer (e.g. Adagio).

[cyberhoofer]

, but any Darjeeling or Assam from India will be rather good since they are know for black tea (thank the Brits). Purchase from a reputable dealer (e.g. Adagio).

Get it straight from India, if you want it really fresh!!

[iGUZZLE]

I recommend the Strong Assam from TeaSource, it's delicious.

[Victoria]

Welcome to the board! Tell us what teas you currently enjoy.

[Janine]

Welcome to the board! Tell us what teas you currently enjoy.

Good idea to start there... also do you take it with milk or sugar or both? do you wish to drink it plain?

I'd recommend Yunnan blacks (I don't mean puerh - I'm using "black" in the Western sense, not the Chinese), but it all depends on where you start. Perhaps an excellent keemun might be your cuppa, or a malty Assam ...

[depravitea]

Lapsang Souchong is a pretty strong black lol
Smokey too
...mmmm smoke...