90

I wrote a review for this tea last night and tried to post it at least four separate times, but it got eaten each time. Steepster was hungee!!! Anyway, this was another of the samples that Vahdam Teas so kindly sent to me. I had long been aware that the Arya Tea Estate was one of the most consistently acclaimed tea producers in Darjeeling, but until I tried this tea, I had yet to try any of the teas produced by this estate. If this one was representative of their offerings, I guarantee I will be trying more soon.

I prepared this tea Western style. I steeped 3 grams of loose tea leaves in 8 ounces of 194 F water for 5 minutes. I did not attempt any additional infusions.

Prior to infusion, the dry tea leaves emitted a pronounced Muscatel aroma underscored by grass and sweet corn. After infusion, I again picked up a strong Muscatel scent balanced by sweet corn and grass, but this time I also picked up nice aromas of citrus, malt, herbs, and peach. In the mouth, there was a strong Muscatel note from the entry to the swallow. Notes of white peach, tangerine, sweet orange, grass, herbs, malt, cream, honey, and sweet corn provided balance. The fade offered lingering traces of Muscatel underpinned by citrus, honey, grass, sweet corn, and malt.

This was a seriously impressive offering. Of the first flush Darjeelings I have tried, this one probably offered the clearest and strongest Muscatel presence. Fortunately, there was a lot more to this tea than that. I would recommend this one highly to those looking for a sweet, fruity first flush Darjeeling with a well-defined Muscatel character.

Flavors: Citrus, Corn Husk, Cream, Grass, Herbs, Honey, Malt, Muscatel, Orange, Peach

Preparation
5 min, 0 sec 3 g 8 OZ / 236 ML
teepland

Your reviews of Vahdam teas inspired me to place an order for their black tea sampler yesterday. I am looking forward to trying some of these that you especially liked!

eastkyteaguy

Teepland, I hope you enjoy the Vahdam sampler. Honestly, I slept on Vahdam for some time. I found out about them last year, but never bothered placing an order. Then, out of the blue, they offered to send me some free samples to review. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. I have had several recommendations for Teabox as well, so I’m thinking that I will give some of their offerings a try this summer (I’m trying to avoid buying any more tea for the next couple of months. I have to get the hoard under control.).

teepland

Funny that you mention Teabox—I was actually going to make a purchase with them first but changed my mind after reading your reviews of Vahdam. I came across Teabox initially through their blog and have been wondering about the quality of their Darjeelings. Please let me know if you place an order—I’d be interested in what you think of their product.

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Comments

teepland

Your reviews of Vahdam teas inspired me to place an order for their black tea sampler yesterday. I am looking forward to trying some of these that you especially liked!

eastkyteaguy

Teepland, I hope you enjoy the Vahdam sampler. Honestly, I slept on Vahdam for some time. I found out about them last year, but never bothered placing an order. Then, out of the blue, they offered to send me some free samples to review. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. I have had several recommendations for Teabox as well, so I’m thinking that I will give some of their offerings a try this summer (I’m trying to avoid buying any more tea for the next couple of months. I have to get the hoard under control.).

teepland

Funny that you mention Teabox—I was actually going to make a purchase with them first but changed my mind after reading your reviews of Vahdam. I came across Teabox initially through their blog and have been wondering about the quality of their Darjeelings. Please let me know if you place an order—I’d be interested in what you think of their product.

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Bio

My grading criteria for tea is as follows:

90-100: Exceptional. I love this stuff. If I can get it, I will drink it pretty much every day.

80-89: Very good. I really like this stuff and wouldn’t mind keeping it around for regular consumption.

70-79: Good. I like this stuff, but may or may not reach for it regularly.

60-69: Solid. I rather like this stuff and think it’s a little bit better-than-average. I’ll drink it with no complaints, but am more likely to reach for something I find more enjoyable than revisit it with regularity.

50-59: Average. I find this stuff to be more or less okay, but it is highly doubtful that I will revisit it in the near future if at all.

40-49: A little below average. I don’t really care for this tea and likely won’t have it again.

39 and lower: Varying degrees of yucky.

Don’t be surprised if my average scores are a bit on the high side because I tend to know what I like and what I dislike and will steer clear of teas I am likely to find unappealing.

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KY

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