I liked every single Darjeeling I tried. This stands as a close to number one in terms of my favorites from that order. It has the dry florals you’d expect, but the flavor balance was unique for me. It often tasted more like a white tea than a black because of its sweet corn, hay, lemon, and honeydew notes amidst it’s more worn background of grain, brown leaves, and something… I’m not sure. There is a bittersweet edge that is not overpowering, and really not that bitter even amidst a grandpa style brew from one time. Think the elusive cocoa note….but it’s barely there. Cayenne popped up barely, but it is not nearly that spicy. Those notes match the sweet ones in a compliment, making it balanced overall.
Considering the price point, it is a snobs tea, though the sweetness makes it a little more approachable. White tea lovers might be intrigued by this one, and oolong lovers might be slightly curious since the notes do match a few that belong to a higher oxidation….although the aftertaste let’s you know it is a black. It can stand up to sugar, but I wouldn’t risk cream until someone says otherwise. It was expensive after all.
