Darjeeling, 2nd Flush

So my package arrived from the Valentine's Day tea exchange that was sponsored by Steepster. My mystery gift giver was actually located in Mexico, but she sent me some fantastic quality leaves from Maison Francaise de Thé: Caravanserai. Granted, I don't speak Spanish, but I was able to infer most of the information provided on the bag and website. The bag was actually super helpful, with comprehensive charts with recommend leaf amounts per 300 mL water, steep time, and water temperature. The bag contained two pouches of loose tea, one a blend called Boudoir, and the other a Darjeeling. (There was also a little perfumed linen print provided with a sweet note on the back. Gracias, Val!)

So, being the terrible novice tea person I am, I had lost my old infuser. After picking up my package from the post office, I had to immediately stop by the grocery store and grab a teaball infuser. I filled it up with the delicious smelling leaves of the Darjeeling 2nd flush. The leaves smell slightly sweet and earthy. Strangely, the scent reminds me of walking into a local furniture store (don't ask.)

I followed the instructions as recommended on the bag. One teaspoon per cup, and 5 minutes brewing time. Unfortunately, I don't have a temperature-specific kettle (yet! it's on my wishlist!) so I had to make do with boiling water for brewing.

The given instructions were spot on for this tea. The flavor was neither bitter nor watery. The color was absolutely gorgeous - the picture doesn't do it justice. It has a deep color reminiscent of honey or a fine scotch. I generally take my tea with a splash of milk and lump of sugar, but I figured for a proper taste test, I'd try it au natural first. The flavor was earthy, flowery, confident in its flavor but not overbearing. For a lack of a better description, it was happy. This is definitely the best Darjeeling I've had to date.

I would, without a doubt, have this tea again. Even though I'm drinking it late in the evening, I'd say it is best suited for the morning, or with a snack. I'm not sure the intensity is strong enough to go with a full meal like lunch or dinner.

Again, thank you Val! This tea was such a wonderful choice, and I can't wait to give the Boudoir blend a try.