Let's talk Nilgiri

[Victoria]

Sarah,

If there was a mix up, Special Teas will set it right. I like ordering from them...they're slow on answering emails, though.

I'm pretty amazed that this Nilgiri topic has gotten so many replies...

You're missing out on some good stuff EW.

[Cinnamon Kitty]

Sarah, I placed an order with TeaSource last Thursday and got it this morning (Monday) so it would definitely be worth contacting them. Good luck!

[geeber1]

Just ordered some other Nilgiri teas from Strand Tea Co. in Oregon:

Parkside Estate Amber Oolong
Nilgiri Kairbetta
Nilgiri – Glenmorgan Estate, India Chunmee
Nilgiri - Craigmore Estate

Yay, more to trade!

The first one is an Oolong, they also had one classified as a green ... interesting!

[Victoria]

Well especially unusual if they are calling it an amber.
Sounds definitely test worthy!!

I just reordered today for the 3rd time the Tao of Tea Neela and Blue
Nilgiri. This time I plan to drink more and give away less!
Ha!

[Cinnamon Kitty]

Here's some basic notes on the two Nilgiri that I got.

Glendale Estate Nilgiri FOP: mild, not bitter, very smooth, subtle flavor, slightly fruity

Glendale Estate Nilgiri Handmade: smooth, not bitter at all, fruity, flavorful, peach-citrus after taste, absolutely lovely black tea, but requires lots of leaf

Overall, both are awesome teas. I got four steeps out of the Handmade the first time I brewed it, which is very impressive for a black tea.

[geeber1]

CK, I liked those two the best of the Nilgiris that I ordered from TeaSource. I think it's unanimous that the Handmade is truly excellent!

The other two that I got (Tamil Nadu blend and the Organic one) were all right. I'm using the Tamil Nadu for iced tea, it's CTC and to me it's more mellow as an iced tea. The organic is just okay, not too exciting.

I just ordered some other Nilgiris from Strand Tea. They had one that was listed asn an Oolong, and a couple as greens. I got some of the Oolong and one of the green ones. That will probably be enough Nilgiri exploration for the time being.

[kymidwife]

Geeber, CK, Victoria, and anyone else who wants to trade Nilgiri samples... PM me your address. My SpecialTeas order finally arrived!

Sarah

[Victoria]

FYI your Glendale Handmade & Glenburn Wiry Vintage
went out yesterday!! I think the Handmade was the only Nilgiri.

I was so mad, because they picked up the mail really late in the day,
sorry!

[geeber1]

Sarah, I PM'd you with my info earlier today.

Sarah, Victoria, CK: If you ladies are still interested, here's what I have to trade ...

TeaSource:
Tamil Nadu (CTC)
Glendale Handmade
Glendale FOP
South India Iyerpadi OP

Strand Tea: (I haven't tried any of these yet, I just got them today)
Parkside Estate OOLONG SFTGFOP
Criagmore Estate TGFOP
Kairbetta Estate SFTGFOP1
Glenmorgan Estate Special Chunmee Leaf, GREEN

[Victoria]

Nothing for me thanks, I'm sampled out!!

[geeber1]

They do add up, don't they?

[geeber1]

Thoughts on Strand Tea Nilgiri order:

Parkside Estate Amber Oolong: This one is comparable to the Glendale Handmade from TeaSource, in fact, I can't tell the difference between them. (I'm not claiming to be an expert, just my opinion) It's good!

Nilgiri Kairbetta: This one is pretty good also, a little more on the astringent side than some other Nilgiris I've tried.

Nilgiri – Glenmorgan Estate, India Chunmee: This is a green tea. I tried it last night but was totally clueless on parameters. I'm going to try it again later today using hints from Sal and Nick.

Nilgiri - Craigmore Estate: This one is good also.

The thing I've liked about all of these Nilgiri teas is the citrusy aroma and aftertaste. They are all pretty delicate in flavor, with the Parkside being the most citrusy / delicate.

[Salsero]

Parkside Estate Amber Oolong: This one is comparable to the Glendale Handmade from TeaSource, in fact, I can't tell the difference between them.

It is entirely possible that the vendors source it from the same wholesaler and it actually is the same tea.

********
Oops, my bad, I didn't notice these are different estates. I thought Parkside was vendor. Please ignore my ignorance!

[Victoria]

I found this additional information on the Parkside Estate Amber Oolong on the The Strand Tea Company webpage:

"This Oolong is a limited production tea made only once per year at Parkside Estate in the Nilgiri Region of south India. A master teamaker from China was brought to Parkside to help supervise the entire process from leaf plucking to final drying. This tea is made from a floral musk tea plant variety usually found in Darjeeling on the Chinese border. The result is a uniquely satisfying medium amber Oolong which has both smoothness and a light citrus taste. A great tea for beginners and experts."

[Victoria]

If interested I also found this interesting information on the Nilgiri
Glendale Estate -

http://www.glendale-tea.com/glendale-estate.html

Fascinating reading I thought, since we own and love their tea.