I was excited to try this Singbulli Estate tea, because all of my limited experiences with this estate have been very positive. I cupped this Friday night and had a great tea experience. When I opened the bad I smelled a mildly nutty aroma. Let me say that this tea wasn’t as aromatic as I thought it would be. I warmed my cup and strainer, put the dry leaves in, and the nutty aroma intensified. I steeped my first cup as noted and could smell nothing but the fresh leaf. Wow! I smelled fresh minty and nutty aromatics rising from my cup to greet me!
The wet leaves were varigated shades of green and brown and smelled clean, crisp, and refreshing-with more pronounced minty and almond-like character. I also recognized some fruity florals too. The cup itself was a very inviting bright orange color with the same characteristics mentioned above.
When I taste Darjeelings like this my mouth usually waters anticipating the flavors of the tea. What I experienced was a very balanced cup, full of minty, fruity, nutty deliciousness! Really fresh, crisp and invigorating. :)) Usually at a three minute steep, there is a proud astringent bite that dances on my tongue. The astringency with this Singbulli is still quite noticeable-it is a Darjeeling after all. It is more tolerable and milder, as the astringency doesn’t dance loudly, or dare I say, stomp on my palate. It is much more playful and mild, still proud, but not conceited, as it presents itself. It is not as mild as the Puttabong Queen I reviewed last month, so if the astringency is too much for you, try reducing the steep time and even the temperature a few degrees. :))
After midnight I had another cup just to enjoy and this cup matched the description above. What I love about Darjeelings is that they do remind me of a fresh, crisp, clear Spring day that brings nothing but comfort and joy. This Singbulli Estate Darjeeling does not disappoint. It is delicious and very satisfying! :))
Cupped: Friday & Sunday, February 10 & 12, 2012.
Reviewed: Sunday, February 12, 2012.
Updated tea review! :))
This sounds very yummy!
I hope you like it! :))