Tuesday TeaDay 9/21/10 TeaRegions of Indian proximity?

[Chip]

Greetings TeaFans. Please do drop in and share what is in your cup throughout the day.

Yesterday we discussed TeaTracking of teas. You can still vote and discuss yesterday's topic.

Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic is about the region of India, well the teas from this region. So, if you could only choose one area for tea from this region, which would it be and why? If you need some help with tea growing areas, see the poll. Bonus, what regions do you like, dislike?

As always, I am looking forward to sharing TeaDay with everyone. Bottoms up.

[brandon]

In order
Darjeeling 2nd - last year's pick was Thurbo "Musk"
Nilgiri
Assam

[olivierco]

Nepal because I always have some Himalaya Gold and Himalaya Sapphire in my cupboard.

Houjicha with my lunch.

[omegapd]

My preference is for Assam- the stronger, the better.

EricW

[geeber1]

Definitely Nilgiri. I like its subtle fruitiness. In fact, I think I'll have a Nilgiri as my morning tea in honor of the poll!

[msurads06]

I voted other. i really havent tried any indian teas individually. i have had a few blends that have contained indian teas (english/irish breakfast, etc) but no real experience with the individual teas so cant really choose.

First tasting of OTTI manmai this morning.

[Victoria]

For me it's all about First Flush Darjeeling. The greener the better.
The best this year being Turzum from Tea Emporium.

Second would be Nepal - and the Himalayan Sapphire
as mentioned by Olivier. Just a stunning tea.

Third would be Nilgiri - Specifically Handmade from Glendale Estate.
Most of the greener ones appeal to me.

For the beginning of my tea years I drank Ceylon and loved the astringency or bite of a strong cup of Lipton's. Now most Ceylons seem to harsh to me. Then I graduated into Assams, but when I found First Flush Darjeeling, I knew I found my favorite among black.

Started the day with Turzum Darjeeling. Of course.
.

[rabbit]

High quality darjeeling is a wonderful thing!

[nickE]

I voted Darjeeling as well, although I've been a bit unimpressed so far. I'll probably learn more about Indian teas later in my tea-career.

Finishing the last of my EoT Bulang sample today, wussy style as I call it. 4g/100ml gaiwan, still retains that bitter kick!

[entropyembrace]

Darjeeling! 2nd Flush especially.

Arya and Margaret´s Hope are my favourite estates

As to the others...I have pretty limited experience with them.

[Chip]

Darjeeling would be a pretty easy first pick, but Sikkim and Nepal have been quite good as well, very similar to Darjeeling. In fact, I bet Nepal is used as filler for many Darjeeling offerings ... I base this on the fact that much more Darjeeling is sold than is produced, and I don't think TeaFairies are at work here!

We see these aspects of corruption in the tea industry all over the place. Very un tea-like!

Assam is at the bottom on my list, it has never been to my taste, and it can make me feel kind of queasy ... coincidence???

All the others are OK by me, just not likely to buy any time soon.

[geeber1]

Assam is at the bottom on my list, it has never been to my taste, and it can make me feel kind of queasy ... coincidence???

Me too. Except in Masala Chai.

[Chip]

Assam is at the bottom on my list, it has never been to my taste, and it can make me feel kind of queasy ... coincidence???

Me too. Except in Masala Chai.

Could this be a case of the taste buds speaking for the body?

Began the TD with a tasting of a new sencha. SweeTea enjoyed while Fuji and Gandalf observed at the TeaTable. And currently dribs and drabs of senchas and kukichas that is quite passable.

[leiche2]

Assam, hands down. I like 'em malty. Teas from Ceylon and Nilgiri are all right, too.

To be honest, I've never had a Darjeeling or Nepalese tea I liked. I find them rather astringent/sharp, no matter how they're brewed.

Time for some Huang Jin Bolero.

[Chip]

Assam, hands down. I like 'em malty. Teas from Ceylon and Nilgiri are all right, too.

To be honest, I've never had a Darjeeling or Nepalese tea I liked. I find them rather astringent/sharp, no matter how they're brewed.

Interesting, quite the opposite of my personal tastes ... yet I also perceive that the middle of the road examples like Ceylon and Nilgiri are more neutral as well, acceptable to those who prefer Darjeeling or Assam.