Arya Ruby (Organic) First Flush 2014 from Happy Earth Tea

AryaTea Type:
Black Tea

Where To Buy:
Happy Earth Tea

Product Description:

This Arya Ruby is finely crafted with its signature fragrance deep and rich in complexity that will cheer a Darjeeling enthusiast.
DRY TEA: Well rolled and wiry, green and gray leaf with a strikingly sweet fragrance. Abundant silver tips, and overall a bit more oxidized than most Darjeeling first flushes. Clean leaf with a bloom.

INFUSION: A uniform infusion of olive color with a nose of exquisite sweetness found recalling tropical flowers. Also ripe peach notes present. A touch of camphor.

CUP: A clear light gold with sweet floral and fruity (strawberry and peach) aromas. The flavors turn more floral and delicate on the mouth. Smooth and well balanced with very little astringency. The sweet refreshing aftertaste lingers.

Tasters Review:
It’s been a while since I have visited the website of Happy Earth Tea and they have made some changes that stuck out right away.  One thing I really LOVED is the addition of multiple photos for each tea including the dry leaf photo as well as what the leaves look like when they are wet – post infusion – and of course – the infused tea liquid in the cup!  Very nice!

Not every Darjeeling tea tastes the same.  There are so many different characteristics and it took me a while to realize that.  When I first started drink Darjeeling Teas I thought they were all similar but I think it was because I wasn’t drinking the highest quality of Darjeelings because now I really enjoy them.  I enjoy picking out how they are different.  Sure – some I like more than others – but – I will say that this Arya Ruby First Flush from Happy Earth Tea is right up there among my favorites.

It infuses to a paler light brown.  It’s sweet and almost has tropical flower/fruit aroma and first sip to it which I find fascinating!  It’s smooth and ends on a sweet note – thankfully – because with other Darjeelings I have tried some can leave a somewhat strange aftertaste – NOT THIS ONE!  My nose could pick  up on the aroma of a hint of peach but also a bit of ‘crust’ or bake-like aroma.

I found this tea to be delicious!  If you are a Darjeeling Tea Fan or if you are looking for something different but with layers of aromas and flavors on the tongue…give this one a whirl!