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“I really like Lochan Tea, and I dig the family behind it. Their Doke garden also puts out some quality stuff. I received this in a swap thanks to Tea Trade HQ. I was psyched to see that Castleton’s...” Read full tasting note
“A bolder leaf than your typical Castleton, whose leaves is more uniformly chopped with the First and Second Flush harvests. (Their rich Second Flush is a favorite.) The dry leaf is coppery and...” Read full tasting note
Lochan Teas have always been notable for flavorful teas at a reasonable price, but Castleton Moonlight is a strong 2nd flush Darjeeling. The unsteeped leaves have an intoxicating aroma; they’re larger than usual, with a mixture of brown and off-white buds. On taste, there’s a pleasing spiciness, full taste, and even some Muscatel notes on the very finish. The liquor is deep amber, and is equally nice by itself or with a biscuity snack. I would have preferred even more Muscatel clarity in the taste, but the richness is still satisfying. I love the balanced taste of Castleton teas, and this doesn’t disappoint.
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CASTLETON MOONLIGHT
DARJEELING TEA LOVERSCastleton Moonlight Oolong Darjeeling
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Fortnum & MasonCastleton Moonlight Darjeeling
Butiki TeasGlenburn Moonlight Darjeeling 2nd Flush Castleton Moonlight
The Tea SmithCastleton Moonlight (2012 2nd Flush)
Thunderbolt TeaI really like Lochan Tea, and I dig the family behind it. Their Doke garden also puts out some quality stuff. I received this in a swap thanks to Tea Trade HQ. I was psyched to see that Castleton’s new Moonlight was among the teas delivered. Last year’s Moonlight was my favorite Darjeeling of 2011.
How did this measure up?
Well, I hate to be frank…but not at all. Granted, it was fair, but nowhere near the excellence of last year’s. I’m not sure if something went wrong in delivery, or if I stored it wrong…but the entire gongfu affair started off kale-like and ended up with woodiness – at best. It reminded me quite a bit of a Chinese yellow tea rather than an oolong, which is too bad.
A bolder leaf than your typical Castleton, whose leaves is more uniformly chopped with the First and Second Flush harvests. (Their rich Second Flush is a favorite.) The dry leaf is coppery and surprisingly bold, with a generous amount of whitish tips mixed in. But the flavor is predictably special: deep amber color, with a spicy flavor, but I can’t find the Muscatel that accompanies the very best Darjeelings. Deeper and somewhat more complex than the 2nd Flush, this estate can’t seem to do wrong.
Did I send you this one? If so I feel bad.
Nope, it was Mrs. Tea Trade. And no reason to feel bad about anything. I’m always glad to try new tea.