This particular Darjeeling tea resigned me up as a Darjeeling fan. It was fantastic. However, I ashamedly admit I did very poorly brewing it. Therefore, I confused this tea with the 7/10 micro-lot from Makaibari 2010. The 7/10 micro-lot had notes of pepper and and a bit briskness. When I was brewing this tea (3/10) I was getting those peppery notes as well. However, I was using about 2 grams of tea in my 4oz gaiwan. I then looked up on the internet and found that “industry tea standards” are 2.2 grams per 8 oz of water. So I bought a gram scale (it was difficult finding a scale that goes in tenth gram increments). I then measured out the tea and found the subtle peach notes were then coming out. It probably also helps that I lowered the steeping time as well.
But, yes, this is a fantastic tea. And I look forward to the Makaibari estate first flush and second flush for 2011. Hopefully Rishi will also sell their micro-lots as they did in 2010. I don’t believe you can buy this from Rishi’s website anymore but if you find it at a coffeeshop it is a high recommendation. Just remember 1.1 grams per 4 oz of water ;)
1 Tasting Note
