Wow! This tea is full of surprises. I was first surprised to notice a hint of cocoa in the aroma. I noticed some familiar Darjeeling-esque tones in the fragrance: woody, earthy … but there, in the distance, is also a distinct cocoa-ish note. Intriguing!
I wondered … as I impatiently waited for this tea to brew … if the cocoa notes would be discernible in the flavor. And they are, although they are rather subtle. The flavors build and develop as I sip it. It starts out as a light, almost sparkling taste on the tongue with its notes of fruit (even a hint of muscatel) and wood … and just a whisper of dark chocolate-y notes in the background. As I continue to sip, the flavor develops and the body changes from a light-to-medium bodied tea, to a medium-bodied tea, to an almost full-bodied tea.
A very unique and pleasant Darjeeling.