Hong Cha Java ~ TeaHaus

I have like A LOT of downtime today and thought i’d stop in to Ann Arbor’s own TeaHaus to check out their new teas. One really fun thing I found was Hong Cha Java. I don’t review a lot of Indonesian teas, but in reality it’s the sixth largest producer of tea in the world. Most Indonesian teas are Black and manufactured for CTC blends. The most popular Javanese tea garden is probably Malabar, which is high grown at 4,900 feet above sea level. Hong Cha Java however is a Tippy orthodox full leaf produced in Sukabumi in Western Java,  I liked it so much in fact that I ordered it in the pot.

This tea’s aroma is really tippy and fruity and well, exciting. Similarly, Hong Cha Java has an inviting warm amber liquor. However, once you take a sip, your impression of this tea totally changes. Hong Cha Java’s flavor is actually fairly dark and caramely–more reminiscent of a Russian Caravan or other Assam blend CTC.  I actually think it might have a hint of bergamot, but i wouldn’t call it an Earl Grey Thankfully Hong Cha Java is a full leaf and it shows in its furry, Tippy tea grit.

1. Aroma – 93
2. Taste – 93
3. Texture – 93
4. Spunk – 94
5. Price – 93
6. Availability – 99 (it was once available from TeaGschwendner, but it isn’t this year)
7. Appearance – 94

Mean score – 94%

Quite a lovely Indonesian tea experience!