Alright, the backlog will finally be clear after I finish this review. This was the other sample pouch I finished earlier. Typical of the teas I have tried from the Gopaldhara Tea Estate, I found this one to have admirable complexity and a tremendous amount of character. Although What-Cha seemed to find this tea to be rather floral, I found it to be more intensely fruity with a pronounced honey character.
I prepared this tea in the Western style. I steeped approximately 3-4 grams of loose leaf material in about 8 ounces of 203 F water for 5 minutes. I did not attempt any subsequent infusions.
Prior to infusion, the dry leaf material presented inviting aromas of grass, hay, honey, Muscatel, herbs, and stone fruits. After infusion, I picked up on traces of fresh flowers (rose, dandelion, and perhaps a touch of chamomile), citrus, pineapple, and smoke. In the mouth, I initially picked out notes of grass, hay, herbs, malt, toast, almond, sweet orange, lemon zest, honey, and fresh flowers before an intriguing mixture of Muscatel, white peach, apricot, pineapple, plum, and mango asserted itself. When I focused in, I could also pick out undertones of smoke. The finish retained a nice mix of fruity and floral flavors balanced by grassy, herbal touches, honey, and some lingering smokiness and nuttiness.
This was a very nice first flush Darjeeling. It is rare that I don’t enjoy a tea produced by the Gopaldhara Tea Estate. I particularly liked the complexity displayed by this tea. If you are looking for a first flush Darjeeling with an inviting bouquet, loads of flavor, and an easy-drinking nature, look no further.
Flavors: Almond, Apricot, Floral, Grass, Hay, Herbs, Honey, Lemon Zest, Malt, Mango, Muscatel, Orange, Peach, Pineapple, Plum, Rose, Smoke, Toast
I wanted to try that one, and now, I know that it is good.