This is part of my first foray into loose Darjeelings. I’m not sure how to describe the tea, and I think before I give it a numerical rating I will have to drink it several times. There is a certain flavor, not unlike sorrel, that I really like. The flavor of this tea seems to be more full, and perhaps this is the contrast between “front of the mouth” and, um, not front of the mouth that the tea monger mentioned. This tea’s flavor seemed more accessible somehow. At any rate I enjoyed it very well. I have yet to give it a full “stress test”, and when I do I will write a fuller report
Darjeeling Giddapahar Estate Second Flush
This seasonal tea from the summer plucking at Giddapahar estate is for those who favor their Darjeeling teas rich, mouth-filling, smooth around the edges and ‘traditional’ ( not green-ish as many 1st Flush Darjeelings are ) in style. The Giddapahar estate is perched at 4,864 feet in elevation in the Kurseong South Valley and has an orientation that provides cooling, protective mists to the tea gardens for much of the year. As is the beauty of such high altitude conditions, the tea bushes grow more slowly, which emphasizes the floral nose of the tea and gives the tea a fine aromatic bouquet in the cup.
Steep 1 infusion at 2 – 4 minutes.
Water temperature should be 185° – 195° F
