Every year my local tea shoppe always stocks some Darjeeling estate
1st and 2nd flush from the late spring and fall respectively. This year the 1st flush is from the Thurbo estate. It is tantalizing complex with more fruity tones than muscatel. According to my tea shoppe the 1st flush from this year suffers from drought so maybe the taste suffers a little. They were happy to even stock this estate. What struck me as I remember tasting Darjeeling flushes from the previous years it always lacked a little umph or pizazz. It occurred to me maybe the Darjeeling isnt fresh enough even when drank within months of production. You would think every since the late 1800s the Champagne of Teas would have a reputation of losing some of its vitality with age which doesnt seem to be the case mentioned by its connoisseurs. I still have Darjeeling from the mid 80s I enjoy very much but more heavy than light. I know this argument can be applied to any tea but I think it applies especially to Darjeeling.Jim