Okay, so I’ve been on this whole Assam black tea kick lately, and I gotta say, it’s been quite the journey. I remember reading somewhere that this stuff was supposed to be good for you, but you know how it is with the internet – tons of stuff out there, hard to know what’s legit. So, I figured, why not just try it out and see for myself?

I started off by going to a few different stores, trying to find some decent quality Assam. I ended up grabbing a couple of different brands, just to compare. Then, for the past few weeks, I’ve been making it a point to drink at least one cup a day. Sometimes two, if I was feeling it.

Brewing

First off, getting the brewing process right took a bit of trial and error. I tried different water temperatures, different steeping times, the whole nine yards. I was using a simple teapot and infuser, nothing fancy. I found that using water that’s just off the boil works best, and steeping for around 3-5 minutes gave me that strong, malty flavor I was after. Too short, and it was weak, too long, and it got a bit bitter.

Tasting

The taste? Man, it’s robust, I’ll give it that. Like, it’s definitely a wake-you-up kind of tea. It’s got this deep, rich flavor that I’ve really come to enjoy. It’s malty and also some taste is kind of sweet. I started by drinking it plain, just to really get a feel for it. Then, I experimented a bit – a splash of milk, a little honey, even a bit of lemon sometimes. I’m using a normal mug. The color is amber and clear. Honestly, I prefer it plain or with just a touch of milk.

Observing

• Energy Levels: I did notice a bit of a difference in my energy levels. Nothing crazy, but I felt a bit more alert and focused, especially in the mornings. It’s a more gradual thing than a coffee buzz, you know?
• Stomach Stuff: I was a little worried about this one, ’cause I read that too much could upset your stomach. But I haven’t had any issues, thankfully. I guess it’s all about moderation.
• Sleep: This is a tricky one. I made sure not to drink it too close to bedtime, just in case. I think it might have affected my sleep a tiny bit when I had a cup in the late afternoon, but it’s hard to say for sure. Just something to be mindful of.

Results

So, after a few weeks, what’s the verdict? Well, I can’t say I’ve noticed any huge, life-altering changes. But I do feel a bit better overall. My heart feels okay, and my blood pressure is still normal when I measured it. The increased focus is nice, and I just enjoy the ritual of it all. It’s become a nice little part of my daily routine. Plus, it’s a pretty tasty drink! I’m definitely going to keep drinking it and see how things go long-term. I think I might even try to find some even higher-quality leaves and see if that makes a difference.

Anyway, that’s my little Assam black tea experiment. It’s been fun, and I’d say it’s worth giving it a shot if you’re curious. Just remember to listen to your body and see what works for you.