Hello. I'm (obviously) a newbie here on the board. I'm also fairly new to tea.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here had tried this brand of tea called Té Chaa? The particular kind I have is the Organic Mystic Darjeeling. I am wondering because I can't really find any serious reviews of it online anywhere.
The reason I ask is that when I first bought it, I noticed the lid of the tin doesn't seem to be exactly airtight. So when I opened it and smelled it, it smells OK but is not really a good, powerful aroma like I would expect for almost 3 oz of black tea. Unfortunately, this is my first Darjeeling so I don't know what it's supposed to smell/taste like.
When I brew it, the first infusion is pretty good but the second one is really on the weak side. Is this normal for this kind of tea? Or is it likely I've gotten a tin that's been sitting on the shelf for quite a while?
The main reason I'm asking is because I do like it. But I don't want to encourage them to sell poorly packaged teas.
Hi and welcome! I guess that is really a question for the retailer. However I agree that although pretty canisters, the lids don't fit tightly. But with a black tea it shouldn't matter all that much if it is a little on the older side. Are you brewing it hot enough? And the 2nd steep for longer?
- Victoria -
http://victoriasown.blogspot.com/
http://victoriasown.blogspot.com/
Dec 5th, '08, 19:54
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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auggy
Hello and thank you for the welcome.Victoria wrote:Hi and welcome! I guess that is really a question for the retailer. However I agree that although pretty canisters, the lids don't fit tightly. But with a black tea it shouldn't matter all that much if it is a little on the older side. Are you brewing it hot enough? And the 2nd steep for longer?
Yes. The water is at a full, rolling boil when I pour it. Every now and then, I manage to get a halfway decent second infusion. I do try to steep it longer on the second infusion. Although it's still trial and error. This tea is really good (to me) when everything is just right. I think they had one more tin when I bought this one. I was debating whether or not to buy it.
Also, I think I tend to prefer my tea cooler. It seems like all the teas I've tried taste a bit bland when they're really hot but seem to get sweeter and more flavorful as they cool off.
Why don't you buy direct from the site, then you know it is fresh (hopefully). They are having a sale now too.
http://www.teteas.com/shop/index.php
The Dream Goddess TKY is pretty decent everyday oolong.
Edit: Oops the sale is over - but they still have it on their front page.
http://www.teteas.com/shop/index.php
The Dream Goddess TKY is pretty decent everyday oolong.
Edit: Oops the sale is over - but they still have it on their front page.
Well, basically because if I'm going to spend that amount of money, there are probably other online tea dealers I'd try first. Right now, I'm still basically just window shopping the online dealers and seeing what people have to say about them. I found this tea at a local store for a reasonable price and that's why I bought it. I just couldn't resist. I like to buy from local stores when I can because it's much more convenient and it encourages them to order more (and hopefully, carry more of a variety).Victoria wrote:Why don't you buy direct from the site, then you know it is fresh (hopefully). They are having a sale now too.
It does have a much fuller flavor than the aroma of the dry leaves would seem to suggest. So I was thinking maybe that's just the way this tea is. I just thought someone here might have experience with it.auggy wrote:I'm not familiar with that tea, but if it is a milder Darjeeling, maybe it just won't ever pack a really powerful punch scent-wise? And I second Victoria about the second steep. You just might need to extend the time some.
I'm a big fan of Darjeelings. I would find another vendor. Upton Tea has some of the best selections. Try both first flush and second flush Darjeelings. Remember Darjeelings should only seep for 90 seconds or they get bitter. How long did you seep it? Also seeping a Darjeeling twice is pointless. It's not Pu-erh.
There are two things I love, tea and rooibos http://www.teacontent.com/
I've had tea from them before, and I really do question their containers. The tea that I had was a Bai Mu Dan, and the lid was well, airtight when it got to me, mostly because it was sealed with tape. After the tape was removed the lid didn't even sit on the tin.
My experience with them was that the tea was par to subpar. Not exactly something that I would recommend. Although Darjeelings are a bit more hearty in respect to freshness and exposure to air than a white.
In my opinion a good darjeeling should yield multiple infusions. I normally don't do a long infusion for the first though. I find that the Darj's that I drink I can pull one at 1-2 minutes and then another for 3-4 mins. Both come out fantasically.
My experience with them was that the tea was par to subpar. Not exactly something that I would recommend. Although Darjeelings are a bit more hearty in respect to freshness and exposure to air than a white.
In my opinion a good darjeeling should yield multiple infusions. I normally don't do a long infusion for the first though. I find that the Darj's that I drink I can pull one at 1-2 minutes and then another for 3-4 mins. Both come out fantasically.
The average steeping times for quality Darjeelings (single estate) are 3 to 4 minutes, even up to 5 minutes in some cases. E.g. Castelton Muscatel, Risheehat Classic Musk & Risheehat Flowery can take 4½ min. steeping without pronouncing the astringency. Maybe lesser times for more delicate 1st Flush Darjeelings. Perhaps, if one uses a blend of bulk Darjeelings - 90 seconds is O.K.jashnew wrote:I'm a big fan of Darjeelings. Remember Darjeelings should only seep for 90 seconds or they get bitter. How long did you seep it? Also seeping a Darjeeling twice is pointless. It's not Pu-erh.
Dec 6th, '08, 11:54
Posts: 995
Joined: Feb 8th, '08, 14:22
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:
auggy
I've gotten some lovely and flavorful second steeps from darjeelings, so I disagree with your statement that it is pointless.jashnew wrote:I'm a big fan of Darjeelings. I would find another vendor. Upton Tea has some of the best selections. Try both first flush and second flush Darjeelings. Remember Darjeelings should only seep for 90 seconds or they get bitter. How long did you seep it? Also seeping a Darjeeling twice is pointless. It's not Pu-erh.
Agreed, I think that is a bit inaccurate. The lower quality Darjeelings fizzle out after only one steep, but the nicer ones, the really good stuff... I get at least 2 and sometimes 3 very good steeps. It's all about which leaf you use, and using the proper amount of leaf.auggy wrote:I've gotten some lovely and flavorful second steeps from darjeelings, so I disagree with your statement that it is pointless.
Sarah
***This organic blend is earthy & spicy, with a fragrant aroma & smooth flavor to captivate the senses. Naturally sweetened in the Kentucky sunshine & infused with natural energy. Equally delicious when served piping hot or crisply chilled.***
+1kymidwife wrote:Agreed, I think that is a bit inaccurate. The lower quality Darjeelings fizzle out after only one steep, but the nicer ones, the really good stuff... I get at least 2 and sometimes 3 very good steeps. It's all about which leaf you use, and using the proper amount of leaf.auggy wrote:I've gotten some lovely and flavorful second steeps from darjeelings, so I disagree with your statement that it is pointless.
Sarah
Thank you all. The important thing here, I guess, is that I'm intrigued enough to possibly continue to pursue Darjeeling teas. I think it's likely it may be (at the very least) a lesser quality tea but it's good enough to give me that feeling you can only get when you have a really good cup. At least one cup.