Upton's Darjeelings-a short survey

Karel,

I'd be very surprised if Darjeelings available here are generally as good as those available in Germany and in your country. Nonetheless, Kyela Teas in Canada is a better bet for comparison. I wouldn't expect too much from Upton in any event.

I would have steeped less time and used just a bit more tea. But, that's a personal preference.

Michael

Karel snipped-for-privacy@news.bluewin.ch11/7/04

Michael,

Actually, Upton just sent an order of the DJ79 and DJ84 from the Makaibari Estate, and I can attest to their quality. I cannot order from a German supplier for comparison, but these are very good - as good as Kyela Teas, although Kevin seems to concentrate on first flush and the Makaibaris are seconds, and for their quality the price is reasonable.

BTW, Kyela's Gopaldhara DJ29 Oolong First Flush 2004 is, IMHO, excellent. I got 50g and will probably go back for more. Very bright and well-balanced, fruity and long. This is probably the best Darjeeling oolong I've tasted to date.

Regards, Dean

DPMJFPjd.81$Bj2.18@trndny0111/8/04 14: snipped-for-privacy@junk.com

Dean,

It's good news to hear that Darjeeling recovered from its slow and painful start this year. It's especially good to hear your praise of Kyela's Gopaldhara, a garden that has produced some of my favorites in the past.

Michael

Karel snipped-for-privacy@news.bluewin.ch11/9/04

snip

Karel,

Kyela is not as prompt as they perhaps should be. But, here in North America I have never had the problem to the extent you describe. I am under the impression that Germany is an excellent source of high quality Darjeeling in general.

Michael

Hi, you are right, here (particularly in Germany) one may get very fine Darjeelings at very acceptable price. The best that I tasted were still better than the best of Upton's but cost only half of the price. The problem is that most these vendors does'nt allow the sampling of their stock. I appreciate Kyela Teas, but unfortunately, for unknown reason my orders were quite often delayed (morethan 3 months) or simply lost forever. It's not problem of KT. I imagine that some stupid custom officer take these teas for some other prohibited plants. Thanks for your feedback Karel Valter

Michael,

I get the distinct impression that Kevin IS Kyela Teas, and when he's on the road, as he frequently is, there's no one minding the store.

Still, he has teas that no one else in NA seems to get (did you ever try his Seeyok Silver Pearls?) and he always includes generous samples of other teas in his stable, so it's worth the wait.

Regards, Dean