Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: KTeas
Product Description:
picked 10 June 2011
Direct from the Glenburn Tea Estate in Khongea, Assam, India!
10 June 2011 harvest pouches contain 8oz (227g). At Glenburn’s recommended 2.5g in 200ml (7 fl-oz) water, each pouch yields about 90 teacups at 26¢ per teacup.
2010 harvest tins contain 3.5oz (100g). At Glenburn’s recommended 2.5g in 200ml (7 fl-oz) water, each tin yields about 40 teacups at 43¢ per teacup.
Taster’s Review:
This is OH-SO-GOOD! Like fabulously fantastically good.
The picture above does not deceive, there really are a bunch of golden tips in this tea. I know that sometimes with “tip” teas, there are relatively few tips. Not so here. This tea is loaded with golden tips. It’s beautiful!
This tea produces such a rich, delicious cup of tea. It is robust and possesses a beautiful malty tone. I can really taste the freshness with this tea, and it makes all the difference!
There is a very pleasing undercurrent of sweetness to this tea, it is caramel-y in flavor with a subtle burnt-sugar taste. That subtle burnt-sugar flavor emits a very delicate bitter note. This is a savory bitterness, not the “Oh no! I over-steeped the Assam” bitterness, and it lends a delightful depth of flavor to the cup.
It is a smooth Assam with a moderate amount of cleansing astringency at the tail. I don’t find this astringency to be particularly drying in nature, but, it imparts a clean feeling allowing this taster to enjoy the sweet aftertaste.
Tea connoisseurs take note: this Assam is exquisite. You really must try it!
Red Panda Picked Darjeeling from Chi of Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Chi of Tea
Product Description:
The Red Panda always picks freshest Darjeeling teas! The Red Panda is the mascot of the International Tea Festival in Darjeeling! This blend of farm fresh Darjeeling tea comes from the Red Panda’s personal stash of 2010 Second Flushes and 2010 Autumn Flushes. Creating a rich, yet balanced cup with rich notes of muscatel grapes and sweet florals.
Taster’s Review:
This is one of the very best – if not THE best – second flush Darjeeling teas I’ve encountered. It is so incredible!
As some of you may know, I have been on a quest to find that “ideal” Darjeeling – one that matches that very first Darjeeling experience that I had several years ago. I had come to the conclusion that I put that particular Darjeeling on such a high pedestal that no Darjeeling – no matter how good – could match it. But now… I think I have found the Darjeeling that is worthy to take that coveted place.
Now, I’m not saying that this is the same Darjeeling … instead, I think this one is better. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a Darjeeling quite like this one.
It has such a lovely sweetness to it which is a perfect compliment to the muscatel of this Darjeeling. The muscatel is fruity and slightly floral, with just a hint of musk. This possesses that “Darjeeling” crispness but it is different because it doesn’t come across as astringent as other Darjeeling teas. It is also a different crispness because this Darjeeling is not as light-bodied as a typical Darjeeling. So while this does taste crisp and clean, it also has more body and substance to it.
There is no bitterness to this tea. It is incredibly smooth and absolutely delicious. The aftertaste leaves me with a pleasing muscatel essence and a hint of that honey-esque sweetness. Truly a lovely experience, this Darjeeling!
This tea is available in very limited quantities. At the time of this writing, there were only 14 samples left – and by the time this review publishes, it may be sold out (in which case, I’m sorry!) A truly fantastic Darjeeling – I do hope that Chi of Tea is able to get more in stock!