Origin: Darjeeling
Tea Estate: Gopaldhara
Colour: Black
Grade: Wonder Tea
Flush: First
Type: Single Estate
Length of Infusion: 3 mins 30 seconds
Water Temperature: 85 C
Dry Leaves
Aspect: Large, loosely rolled leaves with beautiful silver buds
Colours: A mixture of black and dark green leaves with a few that are more loosely rolled
Scents: Notes of stewed and fresh fruit accompanied by floral notes, with an underlying toasted aroma
Brewed Leaves(Infusion)
Colours: Mainly green with touches of brown
Scent: Planty, intense freshness (herbs), almonds, combined with warmer cooked vegetable, fruit and floral notes
Liquor
Colours: Gleaming golden yellow
Texture: A delicate astringency that fills the mouth and sustains the aromas
Flavour: Slightly sweet at the start
Aromas: A sweet, very floral attack (white flowers, rose, lily) followed by citrus, fruit(yellow fruit), sweet vanilla and buttery notes
Aromatic Profile and length in the mouth: Elegant and long, lively, fruity notes (rose) and fresh planty notes (aniseed)
Our Verdict: This is one for those seeking rich and luxurious liquors. This very fine batch from the Gopaldhara consists AV2 leaves and presents all the key features of this famous cultivar: aromatic complexity, a full floral bouquet and rich base notes, perfectly balanced by the flavours and texture of the liquor. A work of Art!