This is a backlog from Wednesday at tea party. My guest had strong feelings about this one, we poured her cup out! She said she could and would drink it, but it was joining puerh on her list of teas she doesn’t like.
I like puerh, so maybe that is why I like this. What does puerh have to do with Darjeeling? This is the earthiest tasting Darjeeling I have ever had. It does not taste like puerh, but has certain attributes one would discuss describing puerh. The muscat grape flavor is very strong in this one. (My guest said she also hates muscat grapes.) There is a distinct flavor of earth in this. That is the strongest taste I get.
I think I like it! I think I could like it a lot. I could quite possibly find myself craving this.
I have not had many Darjeelings. The first ones I tried were improperly steeped….by me. Then I found out how to make them and liked them more. This tea is nothing like the Margaret’s Hope Second Flush that I had a long time ago and liked quite a bit, but it has its own charms.
This is a thumbs up. Glad my daughter brought it home from her trip to Budapest!
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How do you steep them?
Yeah what he said! I’ve been researching them a bit. So I’ve found I should steep at lower temperatures than I would other blacks. I would appreciate any pointers you have.
The first time I made a Darjeeling I used boiling water for four and a half minutes, as I do most black teas. This made it so astringent and drying, even though there was something there that I liked. The more I drank, the less I liked it. Then I heard to use slightly cooler water and only steep for two to three minutes. Much, MUCH better.
Interesting. I have never heard this but it makes sense now why I enjoy the inexpensive bagged stuff at the restaurant. The water is dispenser hot and it makes a good cup. When I used to drink loose (Ahmad) I had the same experience you describe. Loved it until I didn’t. I must try again.
Thanks for the tips.
I agree with ashmanra. And I think ScottTeaMan is also a great person to ask about darjeelings, he helped me a lot!
Hey, I do what I can. :)) I try to enjoy all kinds of tea. I think I may try a Chai Rooibos. It is about the only tea I don’t care for. I can drink it, but I’m not crazy about it. I <3 Chai though.
How do you steep them?
Yeah what he said! I’ve been researching them a bit. So I’ve found I should steep at lower temperatures than I would other blacks. I would appreciate any pointers you have.
The first time I made a Darjeeling I used boiling water for four and a half minutes, as I do most black teas. This made it so astringent and drying, even though there was something there that I liked. The more I drank, the less I liked it. Then I heard to use slightly cooler water and only steep for two to three minutes. Much, MUCH better.
Interesting. I have never heard this but it makes sense now why I enjoy the inexpensive bagged stuff at the restaurant. The water is dispenser hot and it makes a good cup. When I used to drink loose (Ahmad) I had the same experience you describe. Loved it until I didn’t. I must try again.
Thanks for the tips.
I agree with ashmanra. And I think ScottTeaMan is also a great person to ask about darjeelings, he helped me a lot!
Hey, I do what I can. :)) I try to enjoy all kinds of tea. I think I may try a Chai Rooibos. It is about the only tea I don’t care for. I can drink it, but I’m not crazy about it. I <3 Chai though.