Ahmad Tea Loose Tea Packet, Imperial Blend, 16 Oz

I usually stick with straight orthodox Assam, tippy whole leaf, best I can find in volume, for the least I can pay. Took a chance on this Ahmad Imperial, as I’m not averse to a little bergamot. I’ll even drink a solid earl grey if someone else makes it, but just prefer a straight Assam for my high volume all day tea drinking. This is a real winner! It’s predominantly a mix of Darjeeling and Assam as advertised, with just a slight hint of bergamot. If there was any less bergamot I would not taste it at all. Very subtle there. The leaves are quite whole, at least the shippers did not smash my box this time, and it’s just a really fine looking and tasting leaf structure and blend, especially for what appears to be a great regular price. Under, or even around, a dollar an ounce is a good deal for this. It’s straight enough to where I’ll probably just drink through this for a week or so before going back to my regs. Maybe I’m a bit tea high at the moment, but having just opened the bright red box around Christmas kinda just tickled my good cheer. The tea is a winner. Frankly Ahmad is 100% so far for my whole leaf purchases. Many pounds bought and consumed!! I’m now feeling inclined to try another loose black of theirs that I would normally not think of buying.

Good & strong. Tastes smooth but rich & not dirty if you know what I mean. & I brew tea strong. I'll definitely buy again. Thank you.

I am an avid earl grey drinker, and this is one of my favorites. I categorize earl grey tea into two categories: those best with cream, and those best straight. This one is better straight up without the creamer.

Imperial Blend is a black tea blend made from four tea regions (Assam, Ceylon, Kenya, and Darjeeling) and “enhanced” with a light touch of bergamot. It may sound like a bit much, but the result is a smooth and flavorful brew that is both versatile and pleasant. It is similar to the Ahmad Special Blend but is a good deal mellower, with less bite and even less bergamot. It brews a dark cup, though lighter than the Special Blend. The aroma is complex, alternating between the malt and fruit notes of the various teas, citrus of the bergamot, and a faint muscatel hint from the Darjeeling. I found that the muscatel notes were most prominent when steeped for shorter times, though they are always rather subtle. The taste is well rounded and mellow, though it can become astringent if brewed very strong. The addition of the Darjeeling makes this tea more gentle on the palette than the Special Blend. That said, the Darjeeling flavors are very subtle. I was only able to really pick it out during short infusions. When brewed longer they quickly become lost. This is unfortunate as I found that the tea really needs a longer brew to develop good body and by then the bergamot masks most of the Darjeeling aspects. Although the result is a very nice tea, I wish they had just blended the teas and left the bergamot out of this one. Imperial blend is good straight, either lighter with more Darjeeling notes or stronger. When brewed strong, a splash of milk results in a rich and velvety cup. It also makes fabulous cold brew iced tea with more noticeable Darjeeling aspects. I’m enjoying this tea and happily recommend it, but I personally still prefer the Special Blend.

One of the better excellent Ahmad teas.

One of my new favorites, just hate seeing them jack up prices because people leave reviews.

I love this tea! It is delicious never bitter, and like rocket fuel, strong! Only need use small amount of loose leaf. I use a large plunger coffee type glass carafe to keep extra in the fridge, good to reheat in micro for days without losing flavor.

This is a surprisingly high-quality tea for the price. It's got a nice long cut leaf and a strong (but pleasant) bergamot flavor. Would buy again.

Heel lekkere en zachte thee, pure kwaliteit, zoals altijd bij Ahmad Tea!

Toujours aussi bon et à un prix imbattable

Ho comprato questo ed è veramente buono, ha un buon sapore io ne uso veramente poco e già si sente 👍👍 👍 consigliato

Buen te,buen precio buena cantidad.

Must say I have had better from Tesco.