Singell FTGFOP1 2nd Flush Darjeeling

Semi-Fruity with a bit of smokiness due to the fact I oversteeped but I must say it’s very forgiving! Thank the tea gods! Solid Suppa!

Very fruity and full bodied. I had it plain, but I would have loved some sweetener. I’m not sure if a splash of milk would have made it awful or interesting! I think it would have been nice, like Earl Grey. Maybe next time!

There was a reason for my not using anything but tea – I read my tea leaves!

Here is a photo of the cup that I used (from the Art & Tea blog):

http://artandtea.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/tea-leaf-reading/

My reading had the heart – and the tea leaves were in the shape of a heart over it! “Love and romance are on the menu. This could mean spending time with your partner or the beginning of a new relationship . Your home life is also important to you now, which could signify a move, or making improvements on your current home.”

the sunrise – “A new beginning, a sense of rebirth, or a fresh start are signified by this symbol.”

and Venus – “Love, art, and harmony bring delightful interludes. You should be feeling creative and romantic.”

These make sense to me :) I have plans to go out with my husband tomorrow to see a film, take photographs, and get a bite to eat! I spent the day cooking for the coming week, working on a crochet blanket for my sofa, and thinking about a table runner I want to make. I’m about to start my new semester in school next week!

The book says you should use the symbols on the cup, or look for your own symbols, but unless you are experienced you shouldn’t mix the two. Well, I’m not experienced, but I can’t help but see the shape of the United States in the bottom of my cup, some lines, and a sailboat! I would say that not right away, but sometime this year I’m going to travel!

This darjeeling’s aromas are rich with stonefruit flavors like dried dates, poached apricots, baked peaches and hints of spice. The body is medium, with some astringency and the flavors are round and mellow, boasting a medley of stonefruit, apricots and peaches. Delicious!
Second Flush darjeelings are to First Flush darjeelings as Banchas are to Senchas in Japan. The First Flush lasts for three to four weeks in early spring, ending when the plant has spent all its stored winter energy on new leaves. For several weeks, the plant does not make any leaves as it regenerates energy. Then in late May or early June, the plant starts to grow again. Though bigger and tougher than the tender First Flush leaves, Second Flush leaves are still full of flavor. As with First Flush teas, the tea makers hard-wither the leaves after harvesting to concentrate their aromas. After rolling the leaves, they oxidize them 30 percent longer. First flush tea oxidizes until the first nose- a certain distinctive, strong aroma that emerges after about two hours. Second Flush teas oxidize for about another forty minutes to an hour. The first nose dies away after ten minutes; after another thirty minutes or so, the second nose emerges, at which point the tea maker fires the leaves in an oven. The firing lasts just under half an hour, to add gentle roasted flavors.

I will admit I don’t have a whole lot of experience with Darjeeling teas. That having been said, I have had a few very good ones. As for the Singell, I really don’t like this tea. Has a grassy, weedy smell and taste, also a metallic after taste. Harney mentions fruity muscatel flavors and I don’t taste any fruit at all. Does have good body/briskness, but just don’t like the taste of it. Tried three times and throwing away. Might have been better with some sweetener.