Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Harney & Sons
Tea Description:
High in the mountains, deep in the mists that surround the Himalayas is Darjeeling: “Queen of Teas”. Our Darjeeling tea is a blend of First Flush and Autumnal teas from the best gardens. This mixture yields a light color in the cup – a fragrant “nose”. A great value.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I received a sample sachet of this Darjeeling Blend from Harney & Sons with my most recent order from them – I was very happy to receive not just one but two samples with my order – especially since the last time I placed an order with them, I didn’t get any samples! I’m glad to see that they’ve resumed their practice of including samples with every order.
And this is a really enjoyable blend of Darjeeling teas. According to the description (above) this is a combination of first flush and autumnal harvests. The aroma of the dry leaf was slightly woody with fruity overtures, notes of earth and hints of flower. All those notes translate in the brewed tea flavor.
The fruity tones are what I notice first, notes that are vaguely reminiscent of grapes and currants. Sweet and a little tangy. This is not quite as astringent as some Darjeeling teas that I’ve tasted, this has a much smoother, rounder finish. Once the sweetness of the fruit subsides on the palate, the notes of earth and wood peek through, and there is just a whisper of floral notes in the distance.
A pleasant, complex cup. While I generally prefer a second flush Darjeeling, I am enjoying this blend, it is certainly tasty, and is priced right! A nice, well-rounded cuppa.
Queen Elizabeth Black Tea (Organic, Fair Trade) from CaryTown Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where To Buy: CaryTown Teas
Tea Description:
An elegant blend of Assam, Darjeeling, and Nigliri, with exquisite warm and nutty notes.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
A very nice tea blend – it’s hearty enough to serve as a breakfast tea, but it would also be quite nice to serve to guests at a luncheon (or tea party!) or, as an afternoon pick-me-up when a lighter black tea just won’t cut it.
There is definitely some heft to this cup. It has a strong, rich flavor, but the Darjeeling in the blend keeps the bolder notes under control just a bit, so that it doesn’t become too much. Just a touch of light to what I might otherwise consider a very dark blend … like a candle in an an otherwise pitch black room.
There is a really lovely undertone of sweetness here that is like honeyed caramel. This is further accented by the notes of malt in the tea, as well as the fruit-y notes that are scattered throughout the sip. The description above suggests warm and nutty tones, and I get those as well. The finish is astringent, but nothing too overwhelming. I tasted no bitterness, but, this isn’t a tea I’d recommend over-steeping. In other words: don’t forget to set your timer with this one!
This would make an excellent latte, but I find it quite enjoyable served straight as well … a drizzle of honey is also quite nice in this.