This is the first of two first flush Darjeelings I just received from Upton (TD-66). I prepared this the traditional way, using 2 heaping teaspoonfuls of leaf, 16 oz water heated to about 200F. Steeped 3 minutes.
Dry leaf: long, twisted leaves, perhaps 10% white tips. Infused leaf: small, very green (perhaps 20-25% oxidation) Nose: grassy/herbal, faint floral notes. Palate: follows nose; fairly low astringency, very light and delicate.
My first exposure to first flush Darjeeling was Puttabong's 2003 offering (from Specialteas, as I recall) - it was a revelation, as I had never tasted so fresh a tea before. This tea is similar, but much more delicate, probably because it's such an early invoice. I think this tea would benefit from Lew's gongfu method; I will increase the amount of leaf for the next batch.
Regards, Dean