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Darjeeling Teesta Valley First Flush

Darjeeling Teesta Valley First Flush is a supremely smooth First Flush Darjeeling from Teesta Valley Tea Garden, established in 1841. Lightly oxidised tippy leaves produce a green-gold liquor with a herbaceous profile. The light flavour has mineral and fruity notes with a chalky aftertaste.

Brewing guide: 2.5g in 250ml water at 90°C for 3-4 minutes

£2.40£8.25

(10-50g)

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Origin:Teesta Valley Tea Garden, Rungli Rungliot, Darjeeling, India
Elevation:800 - 2000m
Cultivar:Clonal China Bushes
Harvest time:Spring 2020
Sourcing:Specialist UK Wholesaler

Description

Darjeeling Teesta Valley First Flush is a lightly oxidised Darjeeling from Teesta Valley Tea Garden. The tippy leaves produce a particularly smooth light liquor with a herbaceous profile and mineral, fruity notes. We source this tea via a specialist UK wholesaler who deals with the garden directly. This crop is the Spring 2020 harvest.

Teesta Valley Tea Garden was first planted by the British with China bushes between 1841 and 1856. Named after the mighty Teesta River flowing nearby, the garden enjoys an enviable position in the Darjeeling region. With elevations between 800 and 2,000 metres, the climate is on the cooler side, especially on the upper slopes. The orientation of the garden slopes ensures plenty of sunshine throughout the day while enjoying a cooling breeze and mists. These growing conditions are perfect for producing some top grade Darjeeling tea.

The garden produces a wide variety of tea grades, with this First Flush being one of the best examples of a classic lightly oxidised ‘Champagne of Tea’. Darjeeling Teesta Valley First Flush is perhaps one of the smoothest and lightest First Flush Darjeeling teas that we tried from the 2020 crops. First Flush is always prized for a refined taste. This particular lot is crafted in such a way that the common astringency on the aftertaste associated with Darjeeling is removed. It results in a particularly satisfying cup, one that is more enjoyable to savour on its own; and quite unlike many other Darjeeling teas that are particularly well suited for pairing with sweeter things.

Darjeeling Teesta Valley First Flush has tippy leaves that are very lightly oxidised, exhibiting mostly green and yellow colour on the brewed leaf. It produces a light, bright, clear green-golden liquor with a fruity and mineral aroma. The herbaceous profile has dominant mineral and floral notes which are further complimented by notes of sour red berries and blackcurrant leaf. The aftertaste has no tannins or astringency. Instead it is lightly mineral and tangy with a touch of dryness. This is a supremely smooth and light Darjeeling and one that holds a lot of appeal.

We suggest brewing parameters of 90°C for 3-4 minutes according to your taste, brewing multiple times.

This Darjeeling Teesta Valley First Flush black tea was first featured in our March 2021 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.