2011 First Flush Darjeeling Tea Singbulli Estate-SFTGFOP1 China Clonal

Comprised of the first tender shoots of the newly grown tea plant, First Flush Darjeeling tea is a seasonal tea offering that is applauded by tea enthusiasts around the world. We sampled a few of Darjeeling’s first pickings of 2011 and found an exceptional offering from the well-respected Singbulli Estate. Singbulli is located in the Southwestern corner of Darjeeling, very close to the Nepal border. Located at an elevation of 4,000 feet, it has an established reputation for consistently producing high quality teas. This season’s Singbulli Estate First Flush Darjeeling is no exception. Comprised of an attractive mix of well-rolled green and black leaves with many silver buds, this tea is a visual treat. When brewed, it yields a light gold infusion with an intoxicating floral bouquet, reminiscent of tropical flowers. Typical of a stand out First Flush Darjeeling, it finishes with a pleasing muscatel sweetness on the palate.

3 Tasting Notes

LiberTEAS

Thank you to TeaEqualsBliss for sending me this Darjeeling – it’s awesome!

My first impression after the first sip or two was “fruity” – it has a beautiful grape-y flavor to it, and as I continue to sip, I also notice an apple like flavor develop. By the time I’ve reached mid-cup, I taste spice notes.

There is less astringency to this Darjeeling than I’ve come to expect from a Darjeeling, instead, I find the finish here to be remarkably smooth and pleasantly sweet. This is a fantastic Darjeeling.

2011-10-21 22:59:09 -0400

Stereotypical Darjeeling – yes – with a little more grassy and floral going on! This is a full flavor Darjeeling that is for sure! The infusion (liquid) is lighter in color but the aroma and taste is THERE. Pretty good!

2011-06-01 10:51:33 -0400

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Ed Fladung

OK, I was initially disappointed that MTW did not have the Pattabong Clonal Queen this year, being a creature of habit, but I bought a tin of the Singbulli Estate believing that MTW knew what they were doing. I was not wrong. I have been enjoying this tea on many afternoons. Like most First flush Darjeeling’s it has that wonderful combination that puts it somewhere between a green tea and a black tea. They recommend a 4 minute steep, I do five because I like a little more flavor and it can take it without becoming bitter. I let my tea water stand for 3 minutes after boiling to not scald the fine leaves. MTW scores again!

2011-09-20 18:55:59 -0400

195 °F / 90 °C

5 min 0 sec

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