Iyerpadi BOP Nilgiri (Strand Tea Company)

I reviewed the Iyerpadi OP a few posts ago. Today I'm tackling the BOP. These two teas have a common "estate" flavor, but are otherwise quite different. As expected, the BOP is composed of more fully oxidized and smaller leaf pieces, so it brews up noticeably darker and stronger for any given volume. In place of the OP's bright citrus, and herb aroma, the BOP delivers a deeper and darker aroma with much less of the herb and citrus aromatics. In the mouth, the BOP is fuller, softer, and a bit richer and is close to an Assam in texture and style. The aftertaste is softer and less bright too.

This tea, like its OP stablemate, does not easily turn bitter or astringent when over-brewed. As a result, you can make a satisfyingly rich cup by using a little extra leaf and time, and this tea seems to shine when so brewed.

This is the most Assam-like Nilgiri tea I've had. It doesn't have much in the way of the malty or chocolaty notes for which Assam is known, but it does come fairly close in the texture and strength departments. As a result, this would be my first choice for an Assam drinker interested in trying a Nilgiri. It would also be a good choice for iced tea, especially considering its strength and relatively low price of $4.95 for 4 oz.

Iyerpadi OP Nilgiri tea (Upton Tea Imports)

Iyerpadi OP (Orange Pekoe) is one of my favorite Nilgiri black teas. It's fragrant, flavorful, refreshing, and relatively inexpensive (100g @ $5.40). This is not a terribly serious, heavy, or particularly complex tea, but one that is clean, bright, and invites quaffing. Its pronounced and attractive aroma hints at citrus and herbs and notes of strawberry, citrus, and herb mingle in it's pleasantly fruity flavor. The liquor is gently brisk, and finishes with a light, cleansing tang.

This might be a good alternative for those who appreciate a light-liquoring, high-grown Ceylon tea.