2009 Darjeelings

[Proinsias]

I'm not sure what you are looking for. It's partially oxidized Darjeeling leaf, it seems to be a fairly recent phenomenon in response to the increasing popularity of processing methods other than tradition black/red tea and that's about all I can think of on the subject.

[Victoria]

Darjeeling oolongs are just the regular Indian Darjeeling tea plants processed in a way that is similar to oolong. They are generally lighter than regular Darjeeling because they are semi-oxidized.

For me, I've yet to be wowed. Oolongs should be oolongs and Darjeelings should be black.

[Victoria]

I thought I might add that I have been following David Edwards of NM Tea Co on FaceBook with his reports from the Expo. He was sitting last evening with the owners of Glenburn Estate. (One of my favorites) Some insight he passed on about the drought after I asked: Drought produces a "better" tea, because tea under stress produces enzymes...growing slower... ect... I did not understand everything. So the problem with drought is that the yield is much lower, not the quality of tea."

Just passing this along.

All I want to know is where I can get my hands on their FF. Which they have sold out of, but some vendor out there has this!!

[Janine]

Drought produces a "better" tea, because tea under stress produces enzymes...growing slower... ect.....So the problem with drought is that the yield is much lower, not the quality of tea."

Thanks, Victoria. I had no idea. So theoretically we will get better tea but at a higher price. Very interesting info.

[woozl]

Not so sure about tea, but with grapes, low water conditions and other stress produce a more concentrated juice, tending to produce better wine but less of it.
However i suspect there is a point of diminishing returns.
If it is too dry, no one makes good wine (tea).
I hear the higher altitude Darj. estates did better as they receive moisture
naturally through fog and condensation.

[Janine]

Re grapes: without enough moisture most commonly used grapes for wine production can't flourish anyway. For example, the Central San Joaquin Valley of California is a place of tremendous grape production, but not for the types of grapes grown in "wine country" around the coastal regions. This is *mostly* due to the difference in climate with regard to moisture AFAIK

Perhaps it is the same with tea? For example, the valued China high peak teas are due in great part to constant moisture, no?

But a seasonal drought would not be enough to change conditions dramatically enough to make Napa the San Joaquin I suppose...

[greenisgood]

Last year's Arya from Upton was a real winner in my book. Haven't tried this year's though...too poor and spent all of tea money on shincha.

[Victoria]

Last year's Arya from Upton was a real winner in my book. Haven't tried this year's though...too poor and spent all of tea money on shincha.

I ordered that one too, ha!

I'll report back!

[Chip]

Last year's Arya from Upton was a real winner in my book. Haven't tried this year's though...too poor and spent all of tea money on shincha.

Money well spent, I say!

I have liked Arya for around 5 years, organic is a bonus for this very good Darjeeling.

[Selaphiel]

They say the Darjeelings from the Singbulli estate is very good this year, I have not tasted this years Darjeelings yet though. I'm going to a Darjeeling release event tomorrow where there will be tastings of the teas from the different estates, looking forward to it.
Really love this time of the year, both Shincha and Darjeelings being released

[Victoria]

Wow, now that is exciting! We await your reviews!

[Victoria]

This morning I am trying Upton's 2009 FF Darjeeling:
Arya Estate First Flush

http://www.uptontea.com/shopcart/item.a ... iceRange=0

First I will admit this is the best tea I have ever had from Upton.
But ... As for the picture, it resembles that, but smaller and finer cut leaves.
The dry aroma is very fresh and green ... nice.
The color is very light gold.

The taste: I like it, but not sure I LOVE it. It is on the astringent side. I like that if the tea is full bodied enough to balance it out. And although this one does have some body to it, the astringency really stands out.

Bottom line it is better of the two 2009 FF I have tried, but I'm still looking to be wowed. I probably won't repurchase.

[Victoria]

Darjeeling Risheehat FF - SpecialTeas

Another of my non-preferred vendors, but among the first to offer the 2009 FF in samples so I ordered.

Leaves seem small and chopped, but smell nice - that fresh green Darjeeling smell.
Brewed English style for 3 mins. The color is medium gold. Brewed aroma is a bit malty.

The taste is nice, milder than the dry aroma suggests. The astringency is mild and comes only following a slight dry aftertaste. Nice body here, but something is lacking.
The flavor is a bit bland. It's good but not remarkable. Another not to reorder.

[Ron Gilmour]

I'm a fan of the Arya estate. Last year's autumnal was fantastic.

So I took a chance and ordered a bunch of Arya FF from Upton. Victoria's observation about the astringency is very true. If you don't like astringency, stay away. Personally, though, I really like this tea and will likely re-order.

[Janine]

Thank you for these wonderful reviews, everybody. They are very informative to me as I know very little about darjeelings and other Indian black teas.

Victoria, I'm sorry the Sun Moon Lake tea didn't work out to be a great find for you but thank you for the review anyway! I love to hear everybody's opinions on these teas; they're very helpful to me. It's kind of surprising how enjoyable tea tasting is even vicariously.