I haven’t really enjoyed darjeelings for the last couple of years. I have always participated in First Flush -tastings whenever possible, I felt that DJs are supposed to be tasted every spring. It was my duty, but not a particular pleasure.
I haven’t tasted anything from Teesta Valley specifically, so I am comparing this to my general memories of Darjeeling FF2010.
Dry leaves were especially green, I recall last year’s leaves were darker. This is also reflected in taste, this tea was really light. Taste sort of flows through me, it is hard to get hold of anything but a sweet, somewhat floral aftertaste. I find this taste seducing, teasing, but pleasant. Maybe this year I enjoy Darjeelings!
Aftertaste hit pretty quickly, and it is sort of honeylike, floral berrythingy.
There aren’t any elements I commonly associate with black teas, and that I like. It may be my light brewing, I used few leaves in a low temperature. I tried later with more leaves and hotter water, and I think the tea lost its balance with higher temperature.
Overall a really nice tea to have.
