2011 Darjeeling First Flush Jungpana Black Tea

Origin: Darjeeling
Tea Estate: Jungpana
Colour: Black
Grade: F.T.G.F.O.P.1
Flush: First
Type: Single Estate
Weight: 100 grams
Length of infusion: 3 mins 30 seconds
Water temperature: 90°C

Dry leaves
Aspect: Crumpled leaves (gently rolled) with lots of silver buds
Colours: Light green, light black and some brown leaves that are rolled
Scents: A fruity bouquet of mongo, preserved citrus fruit, apricot syrup. A sweet, rose, floral note and toasted aromas

Brewed leaves (infusion)
Colours: Mainly green with touches of coppery brown
Scents: A rich, floral bouquet (rose), with almond (sweet almond), vanilla, butter (cake mixture, brioche) and fruit (yellow fruit, stewed mango in syrup)

Liquor
Colour: Clear, gleaming organge golden liquor
Texture: Smooth and full in the mouth
Flavour: Slightly sweet
Aromas: A sweet, very floral attack (white flowers, rose, lily) followed by fruit (yellow fruit), sweet vanilla and buttery notes
Aromatic profile and length in the mouth: Wonderfully long floral notes followed by planty, almond and herb notes. A fresh finish

Our verdict: When you talk about Vintage Darjeeling, you talk about Jungpana; a tea which is found in prestigious outlets worldwide and even enjoyed by the Royal family of the UK. Although this comes from China plants which usually produces teas with almondy qualities, this lot from Jungpana has an impressive floral bouquet which is wonderfully varied and subtle. It is a true Darjeeling connoisseuir’s delight.

2 Tasting Notes

Matthew Magnuson

Before I write up my tasting notes, I’ll say that I’m not sure if this is DarjeelingTeaXpress’ Jungpana First Flush. The amount I drank was gifted to me by a friend. I’m just using this because it was indeed a 2011 Jungpana First Flush.

I tried two infusions of this tea.

First: This tea is close to what I would consider a classic Darjeeling. It has a nice thick creamy body that is sweet. However, I find, for every sweet note you find, a floral note is taken out. That being said, it’s not as floral as I like my First Flushes to be.

Second: Still has a nice sweet and creamy texture. Even less floral than the first infusion. However, I tasted some nice peppery notes in the taste.

Overall, a nice tea.

2011-06-03 14:14:25 -0400

205 °F / 96 °C

2 min 15 sec

I Like This

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0 comments

MattLytle

190 F, 3:30. Very good. One of my favorite teas that I’ve tried. Naturally sweet and just very good.

2011-05-29 22:43:36 -0400

190 °F / 87 °C