CASTLETON MOONLIGHT – EX 3
TEA SEASON: DARJEELING FIRST FLUSH 2013
Casltleton Moonlight is one tea which is known for its unique character and doesn’t match any other Darjeeling Tea. Though all Darjeeling Teas produced in the Darjeeling region are broadly categorized as “Darjeeling Tea”, the beauty of all individual Darjeeling Tea grade is its character which is truly unique and uncommon – one tea cannot be compared with another because two individual teas are teas with its own set of unique characteristics.
This Darjeeling First Flush 2013 tea comes from amongst a group of Darjeeling Tea gardens owned by the Goodricke Group Ltd. Castleton’s Moonlight is made from specific clonal bushes and produced in very limited quantity. During this 2013 First Flush, less than 200 kgs of Moonlight could be processed. If you have opted for this tea, feel lucky that you are amongst those tea lovers who got their share from such a small quantity production when the world demands more :)
We visited Castleton and tried their various range of First Flush tea samples. We even tried some alread sold tea samples. The range was from classic DJ invoice samples from china tea bushes to special teas such as Moonlight. All lovely teas I must say, but as always, Moonlight got the pick.
Castleton Moonlight Dry Leaves:
The dry tea leaves of Caslteton Moonlight fall into the larger category with chunky silver tips. We have noticed a higher content of buds/tips this year. The leaf appearance is dominated by an overall greenish look which comes ornamented with different colors of various shades of brown, all blended perfectly to give it a definite style and color – an attractive bloom. Two leaves and a bud are prominent and visible. The chunky silver tips are marvelously covered with greyish-white sheen reflecting the silver hairs giving it a definite luster. The tea leaves are rather light weight and volumnious needing a larger container for storage. It has a very sweet and fresh aroma, honey toned accompanied by mild white chocolate like fragrance. Some spicy characteristics are prominent. It also resembles some aromatic characteristics to that of freshly baked vanilla cake. A complex underlying notes of spring flowers present itself as a welcoming note and makes you realize that you are about to drink one of the highest grade Darjeeling tea First Flush variety.
Castleton Moonlight Infusion or Wet Leaves:
This Castleton Moonlight gets a lovely bright and lively infusion. The wet leaves are quite large and has an overall greenish appearance with a mix of bottle green, brown and slight yellow colors. The slightly yellow-brown mixed with green are commonly representing the buds which comes as two leaves and a bud, visible and prominent. It has a lovely thoroughly pronounced sweet floral nose with some spicy characteristics similar to a mix of cumin seeds and pepper. It also has a varied range of fresh and fruity aroma which intrigues the mind and make you wanna taste the cup soon. The lovely bright infusion depicts the next story of its life history, a quality liqor in the cup.
Castleton Moonlight Cup or Liqour:
This Darjeeling First Flush 2013 tea has a marvelous light and bright golden-yellow brew which denotes good and careful manufacture and hence a sign of high grade quality tea. It has a rich mellow liqor with an excellent brisk character. The cup appears smooth as you sip on and as you are rolling your tongue, a very light astringency can be experienced. The lively taste in the liqor comes packed with various levels of complex fruity and floral character. There is this overwhelming sweetness which fills your mouth and spreads in all directions. It also tastes somewhat nutty like roasted cashewnuts. The overwhelming sweetness which spreads as soon as you sip in, retains even after you have gulped in and forms the aftertaste which lingers for quite sometime.