Margaret's Hope Estate II Flush SFTGFOP-1 Darjeeling

This is another sealed sample that I decided to crack open. I am sure I’ve tasted a Margaret’s Hope darjeeling before but I can’t find any evidence in my notes that I have. It would be so great to be able to do a keyword search on your own notes. Or even to be able to search for your own name for notes across Steepster, along with other keywords. I know I’ve suggested this before…

I’ve been noticing recently that darjeeling gets mentioned in the context of tea on television and in movies a fair amount. I wonder if it’s because the word darjeeling has a great sound and is sort of fun to say?

This one is pretty mellow. With all the darjeelings I’ve had recently I’ve remarked on the lack of sharp notes, which is sort of making me wonder whether I dreamed the sharp notes from years ago. I don’t think I did, because the memory is too strong. This one tastes a bit like a tea that could have had a sharp note that got filed off somehow.

There’s definitely a difference between the first flush of yesterday and this one. Part of it may be terroir, but I think the difference between the first and second flush tastes for me goes beyond that. Second flush tastes more like a standard tea; first flush has a fuller, rounder, more buttery flavor and a more filling body. I always feel full after drinking first flush darjeeling.

The tea’s color is clear orange-brown, coppery and crisply clear. The aroma has fruity notes and a bit of caramel and honey. The flavor has those notes, too. It approaches sharp but then backs away. It’s not filling, but it’s also not overly drying and it has a pleasant, fresh aftertaste.