TD28: Tindharia Estate FTGFOP1 Second Flush (DJ-76) Organic

Missy decided we were going to have a darjeeling face off today. We have a little bit left of this, the TD60 blend, and the Golden Moon darjeeling.

This one is a single estate, second flush darjeeling. It’s a darker colored liquor. It’s kind of funny. We used to drink all of our teas in our big super mugs (~18 oz), but we just picked up a handful of clear glass mugs because Missy wanted to see the teas she brewed. So now that I can more appropriately ‘see’ the color of the teas, I feel like it isn’t fair of me to NOT describe the color of the tea. Maybe this makes no sense, but if you’re following me, you’re probably used to me not making sense!

The flavor on this one is VERY fruity. I know that darjeeling teas have the ‘muscatel’ flavor that is so coveted, and I think this one is definitely a good example of that. I don’t really like the name of that though, sounds way too poshy. It’s grape, people! GRAAAAAPE. Muscatel just confused people, and, well, makes your tea sound stinky.

Anyway, this one is kind of grape first, ask tea questions later. This isn’t inherently bad, and to be honest the fact that the flavor was a little more HI I WEAR PURPLE made me think it was better than the TD60 blend. More flavor = more betterer, right? Well, no. As I finished this cup (i.e. kept drinking it straight instead of flitting between three different cups of tea), the flavor really started to get… well, annoying. Basically, it was a lot better in moderation.

Nod goes to TD60.

Oh man this is good good good! I’ve heard the term “champagne of teas” applied to darjeelings before. I wouldn’t use it as I can’t stand that stuff. I really want to say medium bodied but what does that even mean?! In my head, medium bodied should be more complex nuances and a heavier feeling tea. (One of the plentiful tea aficionados can clear this up for me if they are so inclined.)

This is bright and coppery with hints of fruity like qualities. I’d say almost peach then grape, so you can tell I really can’t make up my mind on this one. There is a bit of a bite to this one. Nothing unpleasant, just a mineral taste, making it assertive. There is slight bit of astringency, what I think of as standard and acceptable, so over all a scrumptious tea.