Castleton FTGFOP1 Special China: Darjeeling Autumnal Flush 2006
Black tea, Tea reviews
Wrapping up my week of Darjeelings, I come to the fourth sample in my cupboard: Castleton Estate’s 2006 Autumnal Flush FTGFOP1 SPL China. This is the tea I would serve to a Darjeeling novice seeking their first taste of the region’s notorious teas. It’s robust, rich in colour and, most importantly, has that classic note of muscatel. A quintessential Darjeeling.
Once again, I have Jo from Ya-Ya Teahouse to thank for this tea; and once again, I decided to follow his instructions closely. Using my ingenuiTea teapot, I infused 1.75 teaspoons in 250ml for 3 and a half minutes. As I found with the Puttabong, steeping the tea too little returns a disappointing cup, dominated by astringency. Give it at least 3 minutes 30 seconds and the astringency is balanced nicely within the tea’s flavour profile.
“Well-balanced” is the best way I can think to describe this tea. Everything fits. The brew’s coppery colour is matched by its robust flavour. The note of muscatel is complemented by the astringency.
I drink this tea and feel refreshed, energized. It doesn’t have the depth of character that the Arya Ruby does, but it’s not lacking. Well-rounded, satisfying, immaculate.
