Lochan Tea Samples -- part 2 of 4

Second tasting session for the Lochan tea samples:
(2 reviewed, 3 on deck, 6 on the bench)
Starting line up:
A: Lochan Assam Premium Tips, 2nd Flush 2007 Assam. (LAPTA)
B: Khongea, 2nd Flush 2007 Assam.
C: Temi, 2nd Flush 2007 Sikkim.
Brew parameters:
Kettle to tea-pot pour: 25 secs. Slow pour.
Infusion time: 2:00 min.
Decant to serving jug: 15 secs.
2 scoops of dry tea.
Khongea Assam used to confirm brewing parameters.
(Largest sample quantity)
Dry leaf: all three similar small size and consistent form.
Colour: Comparative within trio.
LAPTA:......... Brightest, 60-70% black leaf, with clean light tan completing the mix.
Khongea Assam:...... Darkest, with pleasing clean appearance. High percentage of: black leaf, with modicum of tan rounding out the mix.
Temi Sikkim:....... Most colourful, with even mix of: Dark Brown, Tan, Green and a few white leaves. Definitely not a Single Malt.
Fragrance:
LAPTA, Most distinct with consistent single odor. I can’t pin a comparative analogy other than; fermented Indian tea.
Khongea Assam, holds its fragrance close to the vest, nothing hitting the old schnoz.
Temi Sikkim, as the leaf mix might suggest, a cornucopia of fragrances, nothing distinct, a slight hint of spice.
I’d put them all low on the aromatic scale. (not a bad thing)

LAPTA, brews a clear deep burned orange liquor. The infused vapor is slightly musty. Mild smoky wood taste, slight –ever so slight astringency, actually pleasant, with a hint of after taste, slightly deeper than initial sensation. I like this tea, easy to drink, an ideal companion on rainy afternoon. But, you cannot let it sit around, it sours quite quickly in the cup.

Khongea Assam, brews a deep dark-dark red liquor, almost opaque. Initial taste overpowered my palate. I could not get passed the first sip. I just shut down. Surprisingly the after taste was not unpleasant, but I have stop and pass on this. I’ll try it on a friend to see what they come up with.

Temi Sikkim, I am strangely anticipatory about brewing this tea, the kaleidoscope of colours intrigues me. The brew; clean deep reddish liquor, not unlike a Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac, maintaining a clean translucency in the cup. Initial taste; strongly astringent, with floral and spicy tastes fighting for dominance. Becomes bitter when left exposed in the cup.

Of these three, I’d go with the Lochan Assam Premium Tips, 2nd Flush 2007 Assam.