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CharlotteZero

2012 First Flush Margaret's Hope SFTGFOP1 from Mariage Frères

CharlotteZero drank 2012 First Flush Margaret's Hope SFTGFOP1 by Mariage Frères

At first I was very much underwhelmed by this one. But the more I drank it, the more I liked it. The finish I found to be too tannic and bitter. I do think I may have over-leafed this one, and that may be the reason for the harsh aftertaste. I’m giving this a hopeful rating, but I will knock it down if using less leaf doesn’t improve the finish.

2013-03-07 14:02:32 -0500

205 °F / 96 °C

4 min 0 sec

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4 comments

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Excelsior 2013-03-07 14:46:20 -0500

While many think instructions are crap, I believe in the preparation instructions tailored to each individual tea Mariage offers. Darjeeling teas are extremely temperamental so I use the preparation tips as a base line. Try reducing the steeping time to 3 minutes and reduce the water temperature to 195F. The stated instructions differ from Namring Poomong. I use 1 heaping tablespoon per 400ml of water. You can alter the amount of
tea leaves according to you tastes. Happy Brewing.

CharlotteZero 2013-03-07 15:35:30 -0500

Thanks, Excelsior. I didn’t look up the instructions on the website, and the label on the tea they sent didn’t have any.

Excelsior 2013-03-07 16:37:39 -0500

Was your order 50g? It should be easy enough to place the same printed label on 50g orders but they seldom do. I’ve even had 50g orders labeled in really poor handwriting while the 100g packages had printed labels with instructions.

CharlotteZero 2013-03-07 16:42:18 -0500

It’s nice handwriting, but all it says is “50g MARGARET’S HOPE 101”.

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I first became interested in tea through the world of BDSM and my love of high protocol. I was fascinated by the elaborate etiquette of Chanoyu and the humility of Gongfucha.

Tea now means so many things to me, it is so deep and it is revealing new meaning to me all the time.

Tea is a mindfulness practice, and a doorway through which to explore different philosophies, cultures, and historical times. Tea is hospitality and a way of communion. Tea is an art, a ritual, and a tradition. Tea is a complement to the foods I eat (preferably vegan desserts) and is something I enjoy collecting and curating.