Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black (Darjeeling)
Where to Buy: Happy Earth Tea
Tea Description:
This is a tea sweet with floral-fruity notes and a classic first flush briskness.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Usually, I prefer a second flush Darjeeling over a first flush, but, I’m really liking this Risheehat Organic Darjeeling First Flush 2013 SFTGFOP1 from Happy Earth Tea. It has an appealing balance of fruit and flower notes and a crisp, clean taste.
The leaves are a bit darker than the photo above suggests, and they brew a light golden brown liquid. The aroma of the tea is sweet and flowery.
The flavor is light and has a crispness to it that is very “Darjeeling-esque” … you know what I mean? That light, somewhat astringent, crisp flavor that Darjeeling teas are known for? Yeah, that. I like how clean my mouth feels after I take a sip.
The flavor is sweet and there are notes of fruit that are somewhat reminiscent of grapes. This does have a faint muscatel to it, although it isn’t as muscatel-ish as you’d find in a typical second flush. There are also subtle woodsy notes. It’s a very pleasantly complex cuppa. The finish reminds me of a fine wine.
It is unfortunate (but not surprising!) that this tea is sold out for 2013. I highly recommend keeping your eye on the Happy Earth Tea website when spring comes for the 2014 harvest, because this tea is well worth the effort! It’s a good one!
