Darjeeling taste

- R
- Ripon
  
  Contact options for registered users
posted
20 years ago

Tue, Jan 20, 2004 8:06 PM

I want to share this piece of interesting information, I have learned from some Indian tea tasters during my trip in India. Which flush of Darjeeling is better- 1st flush, 2nd flush or autumnal flush?

All of them gave me the same answer- 2nd flush. The reason is- 2nd flush taste remains longer then 1st & autumnal flush(not only for time also the taste). For this reason in the tea auction house 2nd flush Darjeeling teas demand is always high. If the tea chest is sealed properly(with three layers sacks packing)- the 1st & autumnal flush Darjeeling tea can remain fresh a whole year whether 2nd flush remains good two years. That's why blenders always prefer 2nd flush.

Ripon (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

- T
- Tea
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
20 years ago

Tue, Jan 20, 2004 8:10 PM

My favorite is Margaret's Hope 2nd Flush. I find the taste is just perfect.

- M
- Michael Plant
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
20 years ago

Wed, Jan 21, 2004 11:02 AM

snipped-for-privacy@posting.google.com1/20/04

15: snipped-for-privacy@dhaka.net

Of course, a tea that is perceived to be amenable to storage for two years as opposed to one year would be the choice of merchants and sellers. On the end-user end, namely me, I find other distinctions between first and second flushes which can draw me to the first flush at times. More specifically, I

*perceive* a certain green fresh quality and a delicateness to some first flushes that are lost in the "stronger" flavors of the second. (Disclosure: My experience is limited to Avongrove and Gopaldhara for the purpose of this discussion.)

Having said that, on balance, I too prefer a second flush.

BTW, three layers of sacking would be about as valuable at preserving freshness as one would be, in my (humble?) opinion.

Michael

- D
- Dean Macinskas
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
20 years ago

Wed, Jan 21, 2004 5:58 PM

(Disclosure:

The best 2003 Darjeeling I've tasted is the Makaibari Estate 2nd Fl. Muscatel FTGFOP1S, DJ-86; intensely floral and fruity, with an amazingly long finish. But I agree with Michael: the delicate, floral/grassy character of first flushes are wonderful, especially if they're fresh. In fact, for all intents many of them are green or oolong teas - the brewed leaves of last year's Puttabong first flush appeared to be entirely green - no apparent oxidation, even on the edges.

Dean