Margaret's Hope Darjeeling

Ok, attempt #2 at my first ever Darjeeling!

So, quick note, when I pulled this out of my drawer, I didn’t realize it was a Darjeeling. I know the title of the tea is “Margaret’s Hope Darjeeling” but the label simply reads “Margaret’s Hope” which, until now, I didn’t realize was a type of Darjeeling. I now remember buying this specifically to try as my first ever Darjeeling tea, but since last month, I had forgotten about that and mistook it for a black tea. So, the first cup I had of this was prepared as a standard black tea. Big surprise, it wasn’t that good. This is a review of the tea prepped as it was meant to be made.

Taste this time is… delightful. I’m getting fruity notes right away, with a touch of sweetness. I’m also getting notes of leather as well, and a hint of tobacco. There is noticeable astringency (I believe that’s what it is) that results in a drying sensation in the mouth post sip. However, it isn’t at all unpleasant. No need to add anything to this, it’s lovely on its own. By the way, the aroma of the liquor has a strong grape-like scent. I’m not noticing it as much in the flavor, however.

Honestly, I’m certain I’m getting everything wrong on this. I’ve never had darjeeling before and therefore, I’m a newbie at trying to describe it. At least with the Earl Grey’s I’ve been reviewing I have something to go by. This here is uncharted territory. That said, I do enjoy this tea, and I think I may well try to branch out into other darjeelings in the future.