First Flush Darjeeling Phuguri

TTB

I’m not generally a huge fan of Darjeelings. This seems to be a pretty good representation of why I’m not a fan- very raisiny and astringent. A bit of a drying mouthfeel.

I find with the rarer teas I review here, it’s fastest to just do a search for them, and Steepster is usually one of the top results!

This is a loose-leaf tea from Martin!

It’s kind of bright, with a good deal of astringency, and a mild citrus note. There’s a floral note too, and something vegetal at the end of the sip. The astringency is a bit much for me. I might enjoy it more as a latte. Thanks, Martin!

For long I am trying to write a tasting note about this tea.
But somehow… I always drink the tea and then I hope I will have another, better, session. And now, my 50 grams is almost finished. I have roughly about 15 grams left. And I still hope I will get a better session.

But even “bad” session isn’t bad enough to don’t write any tasting note. I generally like FF Darjeelings for it’s uncommon taste. Nothing is tasting, nor looking like black tea. For example, from this one I notice mostly floral and muscatel notes. And I was getting those notes every time I have prepared it — no matter if steeped in strainer or fill-your-own tea bag. No matter if I have overleafed it with two heaped teaspoons or used only one. Various steeping times. Glass cup, nordic mug, whatever… those two were there always.

Malty? No way, which is a bit dismal with upcoming fall. Bitter? Sometimes more than I would like to, but it was usually user fail.

But hey, it was generally so enjoyable cup of tea. I am not sure what I was always expecting more from it. I would love to find more descriptors though.