Darjeeling Discussions: What are YOU drinking?

Although I have not tasted what you describe as " minerals, ash or char", there is an element that makes FF Darjeelings decidedly different (and delicious, in my opinion). For me, that element is what I would call a “tang”. There are also notes of spice, but it is that tang that makes the difference. These teas are one of my favourite types of tea — right up there with a nice fuka.

Best wishes,
sherubtse

Of all the years I have been drinking Dajerlings, I have never experienced the ash, char, or the mineral taste you mention. I’ve been drinking 1st, 2nd, and Autumn flush Darjeelings for quite some time. Perhaps you may want contact Tealux about your comment/observations and see what they say.

I just have the Glenburn Estate from Butiki Teas.

I’ll have to disagree regarding astringency. There were some exeptions but almost all of the Mariage Freres Darjeelings I listed in the previous post are very light in astringency rounding out the flavor of a good cup of a Darjeeling tea. The only problem with Spring Darjeelings is they are extremely temperamental and sensitive to steeping parameters. Thus many would say FF Darjeelings are too light, dull, and if the the steepings are prolonged, too astringent.

IMHO, the FF Arya and FF Puttabong were the winners in 2014 for the teas I prefer. Lightly complex in taste, a slight hint of astringency, yet a very full flavored Darjeeling. For fruity tasting Darjeeling, then the FF Margaret’s Hope and FF Margaret’s Hope Supreme would top the list. There is one tea I have not forgotten which was the very best Darjeeling I’ve ever tasted. The FF 2012 Namring DJ1. It hit all the notes of flavor/taste a Darjeeling should have, a straight refined taste yet still complex in its nature, a hint of astringency, and a wonderfully delicate floral aroma.

I ran out of the Namring way back during the beginning of 2013. Mariage will usually carry Vintage Quality Castleton for about one year, but where all the other excess stock of Darjeelings go is a mystery.

They buy enough tea of each flush so they have tea to sell for well over a year. But when the new years teas come in, the previous years tea goes somewhere. Maybe for their flavored teas? Maybe to other retailers? I’ve asked and got differing answers.

I usually steep Spring Darjeelings at 195F. I believe Mariage takes the time to taste numerous cups of each and every Darjeeling. Because even in the same flush from varying estates, Mariage will suggest steeping times anywhere from 2 minutes to 5 minutes with the temperature at 90C(194F) or 95C(203F). I usually start with their suggestion and brew the tea according to my tastes.