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2012 Darjeeling First Flush Himalayan Ranee from DarjeelingTeaXpress

Steepster Score 3 Ratings Rate This Tea

82/100

2012 Darjeeling First Flush Himalayan Ranee

Black Tea by DarjeelingTeaXpress

Himalayan Ranee (meaning ‘Queen of the Himalayas’) is well twisted and rolled and comes from AV2 clonal bushes. It is a rich, warm, easy-to-like first flush Darjeeling. Reddish, boldly-twisted leaf with earth tone accents of cocoa. khaki and amber, sets off a smattering of velvety silver tips and a few green highlights. “Ranee” reveals a warm-toned amber liquor that exudes notes of toast, cinnamon and a pleasant, light spiciness. Subtle, without being plain, quiet and unassuming, without being tedious, it’s a nice mahogany cup for the quiet morning.

1 Tasting Note

Peter Azak
94

This tea screams bold. The extravagance of the twisted and rolled full leaves set it apart, the dark greens boldly lined with silver.

The leaves have a barely faint scent before steeping, but during gives a lightly spiced toasty aroma which adds to the delightfully unique and handsome characteristics of this surprising tea.

The liquor is a brilliant bright amber, and has very strong toasted spice accents, which is also described as pleasant.

And quite pleasant it is, as sweet and spicy accents dance in bright and fruitful flavors. Yet, this is a calm and relaxing tea, delicious and intriguing, but never overstepping.

What a special tea this is, so delightfully different. Because of how bright and cheerful it is, this is a perfect morning Darjeeling.