Sikkim Black Cosmos

I am not familiar with this location (Sikkim), so I believe this is the first time I have ever tried a tea from there.

Starting with 5 grams in 14 ounces, I did three infusions for 1 minute each at 195°.

The first infusion created a lovely copper shade. I definitely taste the essence of orange and vanilla with an oh-so-subtle touch of pine. It ends with a hint of chocolate in the background. This tea is extremely smooth with a silky mouthfeel. It paired perfectly with my avocado toast for breakfast.

The second infusion produced a deeper sienna shade. The chocolate flavor definitely came out this time. No hiding at all. It was slightly astringent, but no bitter aftertaste.

The third infusion produced more of a chestnut shade. Now I'm tasting the chocolate, orange and vanilla all playing together sweetly. It is rich and velvety.

In conclusion, this tea is one that will be in my rotation and I'm very glad I decided to give it a try. I highly recommend that you do multiple infusions to get the full experience.

Sikkim Black Cosmos Tea from Herbs and Kettles is an autumnal flush from the majestic mountains of Sikkim where the majestic mountains that surround this high altitude tea garden produce a beautiful amber color brew with a rich mouthfeel, full bodied blend, and mild astringency.

When I decided to try this particular blend I was curious about the name. However after experiencing it, it is a blend that won my heart with its uniqueness and is one that I will be purchasing a full size of if the near future.

From the packet it produces an aroma of cocoa, vanilla and spice with a pleasant woody feel to it. The blend is filled with dark brown partially broken leaves with few buds.

When steeped it produces a beautiful mahogany amber color with a slightly sweet texture that provides notes of coca and chestnut upon first sip with hints of blackberry and currant finishing it off. I loved both the woody and slightly floral taste with hints of autumn. It is one that I can picture curling up in front of the fire with on a cool crisp autumnal day.

It would be a perfect accompaniment to a savory breakfast. I especially loved it with a splash of vanilla cream which enhanced its spices.

A perfect start to the day.

This morning I was able to brew my first cup of the Sikkim Black Cosmos Tea. Oh. My! I can't say enough about the smooth, warm, wonderful complexity of this tea. It is excellent. Upon opening the bag, I was met with the soft aroma of cocoa and, to my nose, earthy nuts. It was so comforting that I laughingly told my sister I could use it as a potpourri! I steeped it for a bit over 2 minutes, and it rewarded me with an added note of vanilla. Of course, the taste is the most important, and the Black Cosmos did not disappoint. This is a tea equally tasteful in a morning teacup as in an afternoon teapot. It can easily be paired with savory breakfast or sweet petit fours. Smooth, mellow, and comforting, this is a tea you'll enjoy at any time, in any situation!

I recently purchased a bag of the Manipur Wild Galangal Black Tea and, in short --yowza! Absolutely wonderful.

Upon opening the bag, there was an earthy, rich, inviting smell. I knew immediately this was not going to be weak tea. I brewed it for the suggested two minutes, and took a sniff. Still earthy, but now with a surprising mild but distinct hint of forest smoke. Then a sip… This tea is wonderfully robust while remaining very, very smooth. The smoky aroma did not transfer to taste, but lingered just enough in the nose to make this tea unique. There’s a slight fruity hint, but nothing that overwhelms or interferes with the rich base notes.

I do like my morning tea a little sweet, so I added a small amount of honey. I don’t generally drink milk or cream in my tea, and felt no need to do so with this one, although if you prefer milk or cream, this tea could certainly stand up to it.

This is my first experience with Herbs & Kettles, and I am truly delighted. I highly recommend the Manipur Wild Galangal Black Tea.

I'm obsessed with this tea. So rich and complex.