I nearly forgot to post this review. I finished a sample pouch of this tea back in January and just never got around to posting anything about it here. I think I knew I would likely have to add this tea and was simply too lazy to do it at the time, but whatever, I’m getting around to it now. I tend to be a huge fan of the black teas produced by the Margaret’s Hope Estate, especially the second flush teas, and found this one to be excellent.
I prepared this tea in the Western style. I steeped 3 grams of loose leaf material in approximately 8 ounces of 194 F water. No additional infusions were attempted.
Prior to infusion, the dry leaf material produced aromas of grass, herbs, and wood. After infusion, I noted scents of cream, earth, and dry leaves underscored by a hint of Muscatel character. In the mouth, the liquor offered notes of wood, toast, malt, caramel, cream, grass, earth, herbs, and dry leaves balanced by subtle Muscatel flavor and hints of dandelion and apricot. The finish was smooth and sweet with only moderate astringency that was not often all that noticeable. I found lingering notes of malt, cream, dandelion, and toast with underlying touches of wood, Muscatel, and apricot.
A supremely drinkable, approachable second flush Darjeeling black tea with more than enough character on the nose and in the mouth to keep one coming back for more, I found it to be flexible enough to suit multiple settings, though it was perhaps at its best as a late morning or early afternoon treat. I find that Margaret’s Hope does these Chinary black teas better than almost anyone. This was yet another winner.
Flavors: Apricot, Autumn Leaf Pile, Caramel, Cream, Dandelion, Earth, Grass, Herbs, Malt, Muscatel, Toast, Wood
