
Name: "Invigorate" Assam Black
Brand: Treleela (an Ineeka brand)
Type: Black tea, Assam
Form: Paper bagged leaf tea (unique bags)
Review: I am not often impressed by Assams. It seems that many Assams are processed for the very purpose of adulteration with milk and sugar. Try an ordinary Assam without one or both of these additives, and you may find yourself puckering up to a bitter, astringent mess.
Fortunately, the good folks at Chicago-based Treleela (an Ineeka brand that is marketed in non-food retail outlets, such as gift stores) don't rely on customer use of milk and sugar to make their tea palatable. Instead, they start out with a quality Assam that tastes remarkably good without either milk or sugar. This tea infuses to a deep red/copper color, with a nose of malt and a bit of fruit. While it is definitely strong and malty, with a bit of astringency at the finish, it is also not bitter and quite smooth in character. It is great for sipping on its own, but I have also found that it washes down greasy breakfast foods like a champ. Recommended.