Andrews Dunham Nepal

Description (from damnfinetea.com): Grown high in the mountains of Nepal this tea wears faded dungarees and three days of stubble. It loves to talk about the world at elevation while knocking back pints of pale ale. It has no degree — it doesn’t need one. There is nothing it needs to know that can’t be learned from Whitman and Kipling. While the fire dies, after the others have gone home, it tells of its youth: “After the rains ended the air was intoxicating. The views, always dizzying, became more so. I would sit on a favorite rock for hours in the mornings, watching as the mists below receded and gave way to the startling colors of spring. Now, as I search for words to describe the sensation of those days, only one thing compares: falling in love.”

Review: I have to admit that the mere smell of certain black tea turns me off, and this is one of them. But I will say, if you can get over the smell of this tea, the taste of it is incredible. It is delicious. It has very winey/muscat flavor. It's sweet and fruity. Note: I'm categorizing this under "black" and "Darjeeling" even though it's not Darjeeling....it's close. If you like Darjeeling, you MUST try this tea.

This tea is not nearly as malty as it smells -- and I don't think the smell is something that's wrong with this tea; it's just a smell I personally find unpleasant. I think that if this tea tasted anything like it smells, I'd HATE it. But it's awesome. It's light, and smooth, and incredibly sweet. Surprisingly sweet. It lacks any bothersome astringency at all. It's not bitter. It's not sour. It's not overwhelming in any way, but it is strong enough to carry unique flavors.

This is probably one of the grapiest, wineiest teas (ignore the fact that I make up words) I've ever had. And it's not fake. It's not artificial. It's classy and pure. I usually sample the teas I get, and either swap or trade them out to other people...well, this tea, like the Dragonwell, is staying in my desk drawer. Neither of them are going anywhere. I honestly did not expect to like this tea at all, and I was kind of dreading reviewing it, but I love it.

The Good: delicious, and perfect in so many ways
The Bad: not a fan of the malty smell, but hardly a complaint!
More Information/Buy: Andrews Dunham Nepal **Limited Supply**