TM58: Kuwapani Estate Makalu Tippy Spl

A new one, since I had a lovely leisurely hour to enjoy it.

Had to refer back to the Encyclopedia Upton-ica to remember its origins—it’s a Nepali tea. Pretty cool, because I just finished writing some kids’ curriculum about Nepal.

This is definitely a Darjeeling-style tea. Lots of light greeny-gold tips in the dry leaf, a very white-wine personality—that is, if you’re drinking it with a mouthful of melba toast. Dries your mouth a little, but not much.

Sandalwood, as in the description, I don’t get, but it does have a really fruity, spicy scent.

Took a second steep well—even when I got sidetracked and left it easily 10 minutes. Still not bitter.

Nice for afternoons and, as my friend Dr. Cooper would say, pre-venings.

2 tsp for 150ml; finum basket in ceramic mug

A unique tea for the black tea that I currently drink regularly, which for whatever reason has been more Ceylon-oriented. I always look forward to pulling this one out.

Used to always brew this in a western style—not a huge leaf:water, boiling water, multi-minute steep—but upon finding that it holds a second steep well even then, I’ve been playing around with other styles. Lower temperatures and higher leaf:water yields some interesting results. This time I’m going in between a bit …

01 (50s; 200F): Infused leaves have a fantastic scent. Feeling the sandalwood mentioned in Upton’s description, plus sweet berry (near-floral?) and a touch of deeper wood. The liquor has a more reserved nose, more on the berry tip than the wood, though that’s starting to come through as it cools.

Nice amount of astringency for me, and nice finish, but in the mouth it’s not as exciting as it has been in the past. Definitely remember the “bass notes” mentioned by gmathis transferring to the flavor—this has the potential to be a wonderfully hefty tea.

02 (2m50s; 212F): Decided to up the time and temp. A little too long I think. Less complex infused leaf smell, much more darjeeling-like. Again, good astringency and a different, but still enjoyable finish. A bit of spice in the mouth, with a suggestion of acidity. Also a hint of bitterness which doesn’t seem to serve this tea well. Good body.

More work to be done with this one …