CASTLETON MUSCATEL

Backlog:

Another tea consumed during the W-O-D. I really liked this Darjeeling, it had a very crisp, distinct flavor, a bit lighter on the muscatel than I would have thought given the name of the tea, that’s not really a complaint just an observation. I noticed the faintest notes of mint in the background that sort of took me by surprise. There is a fair amount of astringency to this one, it is both a cleansing astringency as well as slightly drying. I find that the astringency plays to the muscatel quite well, giving the tea a very wine-like finish.

Very pleasant, agreeably sweet, I found this to be one of the more energizing Darjeeling teas I’ve tasted. Most Darjeeling teas, for me at least, tend to be more relaxing and calming, and therefore I usually save them for afternoon enjoyment after I’ve had my stronger teas. But this tea had that kind of profile to it that I could easily enjoy in the morning and I don’t find that true with most Darjeeling teas.

A really nice Darjeeling.

The moment I removed my brew basket from my cup I could smell the distinct muscatel aroma in this Castleton Muscatel 2nd Flush from Darjeeling Tea Lovers. My mouth watered in eager anticipation for that first sip. Even though this is not the freshest Darjeeling, since I got it as a sample from one of my SororiTea Sisters, and have had it tucked away for awhile now, it is still delicious! The muscatel flavor is simply divine.

After looking at their website, I am seeing some of my favorite Darjeeling and some I have yet to try, all in one place, it is like a smorgasbord of Darjeeling, my eyes widened in excitement just browsing the site! Seriously I am having to hold myself back from placing an order until I sip down some of the teas I already have in my stash, plus saving for college for my daughter in the Fall is a bit more pressing right now.

As for this tea, well this tea, and me, will be spending some precious time alone with a good book, in the sunshine, while it lasts, both the sunshine and the tea.

Full review this evening at 6 central time on http://sororiteasisters.com/

Thanks Liberteas for this one!

This just might be one of the smoothest Darjeelings I have ever tried! It’s near velvety yet fairly muscatel and slightly dry…almost like a dry-wine…especially towards the end of the sip. Backtracking to the beginning of the sip I can pick up a few HINTS of fruit, too, even moreso as it cools – naturally – at room temp!

This is impressive!

i would agree with libertea on all of this except mine has a massive fragrance of muscatel, so much so i ran to review it. ever so slightly minty & astringent, with a lovely sweetness, and a massive aroma of grapes making me feel happy inside.

loved it!