Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe is an unusual grade to find on a shelf, narrower than a straight FOP or BOP and in practice something between the two, and the Hattialli Tea Estate in Assam makes its version under that name. In the cup it comes out full-bodied without tipping into heaviness: classically malty in the way a good Assam is, but with enough restraint that lemon, orange and honey notes still get through. There is a thick, almost milky texture to it as well, which keeps the malt from dominating and gives the tea a rounder finish than you might expect from the grade alone.
The estate's name translates to "the elephant is coming," a reference to the elephants that still wander the surrounding area. Hattialli has 201 hectares under tea cultivation and has picked up numerous awards over the years, including recognition specifically for its Assam GFBOP. The estate has also built out real welfare infrastructure for the people who work there and their families: two primary schools, two recreation clubs, five worship centres and a hospital.
An 8-ounce cup carries roughly 45mg of caffeine, moderate as black teas go. Assam teas like this one have long been drunk as a morning pick-me-up and reached for during cold season, on the idea that the tannins and polyphenols in black tea offer some support against everyday bugs, though that is tradition rather than anything to rely on for actual treatment. Tea & Coffee packs this particular batch fresh to order at its factory in Kent.
To brew, put loose leaf in a filter or infuser, pour over freshly boiled water and let it steep for three to five minutes. Serve it black, or add milk, sugar, honey or lemon depending on how you take your tea.