Darjeelings and age

by **Trioxin** » Mar 9th, '08, 02:25

Darjeelings and age

by Trioxin » Mar 9th, '08, 02:25

With the 2008 Darjeelings just around the corner, I was wondering if anyone would be able to shed some light on how long the first flush from 2007 will hold out for. I just lost most of my Singbulli silver tips to the floor, but I still have a whole mess of others that still need to be drunk.

by **olivierco** » Mar 9th, '08, 09:56

by olivierco » Mar 9th, '08, 09:56

As a rule, I finish all my Darjeelings within a year.

by **Trioxin** » Mar 9th, '08, 16:33

by Trioxin » Mar 9th, '08, 16:33

I've got some drinking to do.

by **Salsero** » Mar 9th, '08, 18:35

by Salsero » Mar 9th, '08, 18:35

I don't remember where, but in the last few months there has been some discussion about aging blacks, with some people reporting wonderful experiences finding tea tins they had forgotten about for years that tasted better than ever. Although freshness is usually prized in FF dj's, blacks -- even first flush dj's -- are not as much a subject of concern as are greens. Keep out light and air as much as possible and it should be drinkable for up to 2 years. After all, even light oolongs, when aged, may be sold for a premium price.

You're on the cutting edge here! Take notes, and post your results back here in 5 years.

by **hop_goblin** » Mar 10th, '08, 09:45

by hop_goblin » Mar 10th, '08, 09:45

I have some 1st Flush DJ that I had bought over a year ago. It brews a nice and fragrant cup. Albeit, the flavor is not as bright, it still is quite enjoyable.

by **CynTEAa** » Mar 10th, '08, 10:33

by CynTEAa » Mar 10th, '08, 10:33

Any floral notes in the first flush dj's will typically mellow to fruitiness. They become softer and less complex but still drinkable and enjoyable.

by **Trioxin** » Mar 10th, '08, 16:11

by Trioxin » Mar 10th, '08, 16:11

Thanks for the information everyone. I think I'm going to make the Darjeelings my daily drinkers for the time being, but I've got so much Namring left I don't have much of a choice but to keep it around for a while to see what it becomes. Hell, I've got a lot of tea that really needs to be drunk. At least I don't have to worry about my pu-erh cakes going bad from age.

by **Salsero** » Mar 10th, '08, 16:16

by Salsero » Mar 10th, '08, 16:16

Trioxin wrote:Hell, I've got a lot of tea that really needs to be drunk.

You're not alone in that boat.

Trioxin wrote:At least I don't have to worry about my pu-erh cakes going bad from age.

Sometimes I think that's the only reason I buy puerh! It's so undemanding. Sencha is so neeeedy.

by **hop_goblin** » Mar 10th, '08, 16:53

by hop_goblin » Mar 10th, '08, 16:53

CynTEAa wrote:Any floral notes in the first flush dj's will typically mellow to fruitiness. They become softer and less complex but still drinkable and enjoyable.

Yeah, that was what I was trying to get at! It still taste great!