This is the first year I have been so geeky about tea that I wanted to try a few first flush darjeelings as soon as they came out. OK, last year I’m not even sure I could tell you what a first flush was but I’m learning quickly. ;-)
This is a sample but it the most expensive one I got. I read there’s been a drought in the darjeeling region so this may affect the prices and availability of some teas.
The leaves of this tea are indeed still very green and look like the picture here. I noticed right away a fruity-flowery aroma. My impression of the nose of this tea are: vanilla, tropical fruit and a touch of anise. This is a great tea to savor because the nose is so very pleasant.
The color of this cup is medium yellow and very clear. I do agree with the pineapple description, it’s a bit sweet juicy fruit, but also a bit tart. As my cup cools, I am picking up on some more nuanced flowery notes as well as a slight butteriness, even.
I am not finding this to be very astringent like some other first flush darjeelings I’ve tried. I do believe this is an excellent selection from Upton and would be very tempted to buy more, although it is fairly pricy at $33/100g. I will certainly relish and savor what I have here. I’m thinking to myself, “OMG, this stuff is awesome!”
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Now you see why I love Darjeelings! Their 2012 Darj’s are pricey, and I just choose not to pay $33-$40 for 100g of tea. A couple samples for sure. :)) Did you get any other samples from them?
Darjeeling teas have increased significantly for the last 3 to 4 years due to weather, fuel costs, plus at the tea auctions bidding wars for premium lots drive up the price, and increased demand globally for premium lots make them harder to buy in larger quantities-SIGH!!
I still love a good Darjeeling! Honestly, Thunderbolt Tea has impressed me with their Darjeelings lately-Good quality cost benefit IMO. :))
Eeep. As if my Upton wishlist needs to get any bigger, ha.
Scott- I think I got three samples of FF darjeelings. Considering the amount of tea i have it’s probably better that I stick to small quantities. :)
@Cheryl – Right? I just want them to send me one of everything they have!
Me too. Me too. Don’t even want to think about what that would add up to.
Wow this sounds really really amazing!
I am placing an order with Upton’s very soon, and wanted a relatively small order. I think I should stick to teas from a couple regions and mostly samples, otherwise the order will get out of hand!!
Then there is Teavivre, Bana, Mandala, Rishi…….my head is starting to spin.
Upton and Teavivre for me too. And only reason Bana and Mandala are even on my radar is Amy’s fault. But I need to prove I’m not OCD (only OD) so those sit on my (proving my patience) wishlist. Bana has nice samplers. Could use 2nd opinions for later Scott, lol.
ok, hehhehe
My Upton order is on the way. I went ahead and ordered 100 grams of the Sungma first flush and samples of others. I know it’s pricey, but it’s a once a year indulgence, then I’m on to the more affordable but still wonderful second flushes.
@Triumph – yay! I will forward to hearing your thoughts on those.
I did place a small order last night and got a sample of the Glenburn FF, along with some pre ching ming teas, and a few greens.
Lupicia just got added to my regular stash!
There is a Lupicia store in San Francisco! It’s evil!
why is Lupicia evil? :-D
Heheheehe…….Amy, I just have to smile because I was thinking about your opinion of Darjeelings a few months ago compared to now. :)) I know astringency is a concern for you (me too sometimes), but FF Darjeelings being one of my favorite teas, I’m glad to see you enjoying them. :)) :)) :))
Scott- this is all your fault!!! :-P
Hehehehe…….as much as I like Darj’s, I also like a good Oolong, and the steeping factor for me is enjoyable. Darjeelings are not good for resteeping. I have tried resteeping them sometimes twice, but no more. I have had nice oolongs I resteeped 5-7 times-could’ve done more!
Pu-erhs are kinda like that too. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I remember Bana selling mainly Pu-erh teas, and I really want to buy their samplers. Based on your Mandala reviews they have some good Puerhs too, some sample sizes, and other teas as well. So I am kinda leaning toward Mandala right now. What do you think??
BTW, I whish I’d gotten a sample of this Risheehat. ://
@Scott – both companies are good for pu-erh, I don’t know if I could pick one over the other but Mandala has other things also.
Yunnan sourcing is good too and they have great black teas. The selection can be overwhelming so you need to spend some time reading and comparing.
Now you see why I love Darjeelings! Their 2012 Darj’s are pricey, and I just choose not to pay $33-$40 for 100g of tea. A couple samples for sure. :)) Did you get any other samples from them?
Darjeeling teas have increased significantly for the last 3 to 4 years due to weather, fuel costs, plus at the tea auctions bidding wars for premium lots drive up the price, and increased demand globally for premium lots make them harder to buy in larger quantities-SIGH!!
I still love a good Darjeeling! Honestly, Thunderbolt Tea has impressed me with their Darjeelings lately-Good quality cost benefit IMO. :))
Eeep. As if my Upton wishlist needs to get any bigger, ha.
Scott- I think I got three samples of FF darjeelings. Considering the amount of tea i have it’s probably better that I stick to small quantities. :)
@Cheryl – Right? I just want them to send me one of everything they have!
Me too. Me too. Don’t even want to think about what that would add up to.
Wow this sounds really really amazing!
I am placing an order with Upton’s very soon, and wanted a relatively small order. I think I should stick to teas from a couple regions and mostly samples, otherwise the order will get out of hand!!
Then there is Teavivre, Bana, Mandala, Rishi…….my head is starting to spin.
Upton and Teavivre for me too. And only reason Bana and Mandala are even on my radar is Amy’s fault. But I need to prove I’m not OCD (only OD) so those sit on my (proving my patience) wishlist. Bana has nice samplers. Could use 2nd opinions for later Scott, lol.
ok, hehhehe
My Upton order is on the way. I went ahead and ordered 100 grams of the Sungma first flush and samples of others. I know it’s pricey, but it’s a once a year indulgence, then I’m on to the more affordable but still wonderful second flushes.
@Triumph – yay! I will forward to hearing your thoughts on those.
I did place a small order last night and got a sample of the Glenburn FF, along with some pre ching ming teas, and a few greens.
Lupicia just got added to my regular stash!
There is a Lupicia store in San Francisco! It’s evil!
why is Lupicia evil? :-D
Heheheehe…….Amy, I just have to smile because I was thinking about your opinion of Darjeelings a few months ago compared to now. :)) I know astringency is a concern for you (me too sometimes), but FF Darjeelings being one of my favorite teas, I’m glad to see you enjoying them. :)) :)) :))
Scott- this is all your fault!!! :-P
Hehehehe…….as much as I like Darj’s, I also like a good Oolong, and the steeping factor for me is enjoyable. Darjeelings are not good for resteeping. I have tried resteeping them sometimes twice, but no more. I have had nice oolongs I resteeped 5-7 times-could’ve done more!
Pu-erhs are kinda like that too. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I remember Bana selling mainly Pu-erh teas, and I really want to buy their samplers. Based on your Mandala reviews they have some good Puerhs too, some sample sizes, and other teas as well. So I am kinda leaning toward Mandala right now. What do you think??
BTW, I whish I’d gotten a sample of this Risheehat. ://
@Scott – both companies are good for pu-erh, I don’t know if I could pick one over the other but Mandala has other things also.
Yunnan sourcing is good too and they have great black teas. The selection can be overwhelming so you need to spend some time reading and comparing.