Chamong SFTGFOP1 Tippy 131

Again like the Nepal tea from yesterday it seems like a shame to call this darjeeling a black tea…

According to wikipedia: SFTGFOP—Special Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe: Sometimes used to indicate the very finest.

I was a little worried about this one because “clean astringency” sounds like it could be too acid promoting or sour so I only got the sample size. This was steeped at 4 minutes at around 190 F.

The dry leaf in the bag smells very aromatic and they are beautiful olive green and silver grey leaves.

This is a lot more mellow than I thought it would be, which I am enjoying. It’s a golden yellow liquor with a light bodied and smooth taste. Slightly earthy and spicy at the same time. A little bit of peach but the fruit notes are not quite as prominent as I thought they would be. The finish is also not very harsh or astringent. I am not a darjeeling expert but overall I quite enjoyed it – also I can’t say that I need to buy anymore right now.

Certified Fair Trade and Organic – always a bonus

Just brewed my first sample of this. I bought a sample sized pack. Sitting here not one sip yet. Smell: Crisp, Clean, Like Rain Water, I could bathe in this! Very clear only slightly perfumey and sweet. First sip: Ahhh so THIS is what quality tea taste like! Sweet flavor influences my first thought, but finish is so clear and clean like an amazing palate clearer.
Very lightly fruit flavored – peach but not candy peach at all but just fresh juicy peach without any tartness. Slight tingle on tip of tongue, no aftertaste though whatsoever, again this would be an excellent palate cleanser. Wait … after about 5 sips I do get SOME lingering of an aftertaste … but its so pleasant and not bitter whatsoever. I do wonder if I may enjoy this brewed a little stronger maybe. I wish I had more! I only have enough for one more pot. Going to add a little sugar now and see how and if it changes.
Added sugar and it really did not change it much – added more thinking I had not added enough – again not a lot of change but I have to say I prefer it more in its natural state – the sugar distracts from the peach actually.
You know, I have not tried a lot of teas so far but I am very happy with this one! I can’t get over the fresh smell! What a wonderful eye opener. It probably is not the strongest tea to wake up to in the morning but this would make a delightful after noon tea!
I would LOVE to try this on ice!!
I think it would be an absolutely wonderful iced tea but I would make it stronger so the flavors are not lost as it is on the “weak” side but in its simplicity I adore it.