The 2016 First Flush Darjeeling thread
I’m waiting for Klasek Tea to get their Goomtee Estate FF Darjeeling. Got a sample last year which was the bomb and I don’t even like Darjeeling. I got so tea drunk on that sht and it wasn’t overly floral. Naturally that beautiful tea was all sold out. I sent a session of it to my sister, I just had to share it. This year I will buy some!
Ambootia and North Tukvar
http://www.mariagefreres.com/UK/1-darjeeling_first_flush.html
The issue I have with Ambootia is, the taste changes significantly year after year so I never know what I’ll be getting. As for North Tukvar, I’ve never been impressed with its taste.
My package from Mariage just arrived today so I’ll be trying the Namring Queen this week.
I ordered samples of all of the first flushes available from teabox. First time trying ff!
you are in for a treat when you get the brewing right. They can be very fussy.
I would like to know others brewing baselines if possible, always good – especially when they are fresh like these..?
my baseline is western 3g/3-3.5 mins 90-95c and adjust, MF recommend 3.5g 4 mins 95c
I agree. Darjeelings are extremely temperamental. I usually start with the following parameters for Spring Flush Darjeelings, 7 grams of tea, 380ml of water (it’s the size of my teapot), at 95C, and steep for 3 minutes. I’ll vary the parameters during next 2 or 3 brews, sometimes 4 or 5 to extract the best flavor according to my preferences. The best parameters for Darjeelings will vary depending on the year, the Estate, and the DJ picking number.
Happy brewing!
If anyone ends up with a ton of one or a few let me know if you’re willing to swap. I have money, but my stash is just too large currently…
Got my samples from teabox. They were very generous and sent three more. I tried the Upper Namring and got a hint of lime, soft tropical fruit and nuttiness. Mmmmm.
I’m incredibly excited for these first flushes, I’m seeing various ones pop up already. Is anyone planning a teabox order and wants to take advantage of the 10$ off refer a friend, for I am about to place an order. Let me know :)
This looks to be a good (early) year for darjeeling.
Arya (fer sure), Turzum, Namring,Giddpahar, and maybe Goomtee. I’m also trying to stray into a few other areas to see if I can acquire anymore favorites.
Turzum ‘muscatel dream’ was my favourite second flush, really muscatel so im hoping their ff is also good
arya (fer sure)
recently liked the thurbo ff of last year so really want to try fresh
and the singbulli ‘silk’ was my go-to of last year, got some DJ1 and it turned me on to ff darjeeling
I’m not a hugh thurbo fan. I may have just gotten some poor quality leaves, but they always seem to tannic and rough. The abrasive tones just come out too far.
the one i tried recently really hit the spot, i was comparing to goomtree at the time as well. Although I am unsure of both of these as the leaf wasnt good grade. I have noticed with darjeeling lots gets sold as TGFOPOPOFG1-SP1DJ11111 when it isnt at all
A very large amount is marketed as “the very best darjeeling tea in the world” when in reality very very few is.
All right people, I just had my first ever FF darjeeling this week and I have two words: Oriental Beauty! Thanks for saving me a ton of money :)
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