I’m really enjoying my adventure through Indian teas. This is yet another first-flush Darjeeling that was offered in a black tea sampler by Vahdam. I started my journey with the most expensive FF Darjeeling in the sampler (Arya Diamond). Maybe I shouldn’t have done that, because it sort of warped my perception. Not really fair to compare everything to the absolute best.
Nevertheless, this one still had great nutty, fruity, and honey-sweet flavors all supported by the muscatel (I call it “grapeleaf”) flavors. It lacked the complexity of the Arya Diamond, but still was really tasty. Definitely still one of the top-tier offerings ($26 / 100g). This one was much more straightforward in its delivery, but had a wonderful syrupy aftertaste that lingers.
These first-flush Darjeelings are occupying the same place in my tea drinking habit as Taiwanese high-mountain oolongs. For me, they are a little too expensive to buy any significant amount of, but I will absolutely buy a few from time to time to treat myself. A really unique and quality experience.
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Dry leaf – grapeleaf, raw peanut, hardwood, dried parsley. In preheated vessel – blackberry syrup sweetness prominent.
Smell – peanut, grapeleaf
Taste – arrival of peanut nuttiness. Development includes grapeleaf, dried parsley, sweet cooked vegetables like carrots and fresh greens, fresh parsley. Finish is syrupy sweet – wildflower honey and blackberry syrup.
