So I’ve got the day off today (yay!) and what better way to spend my day then relaxing at home this morning while drinking a cup (or many cups) of tea! This is another one from the GCTTB, when I first came across it I found the scent very compelling. I don’t generally enjoy lemon in much but the scent profile, though lemony, had quite a few sweeter caramel-like notes mixed in which almost reminded me of a lemon meringue pie.
The steeped liquor is orange-brown in color and smells of subtle, sweet lemon (almost mayer lemon like) with a few deeper caramelized spicy notes underneath. As for the flavor… This is definitely a Darjeeling, just a touch astringent with some lovely spicier notes layered underneath the refreshing hit of lemony citrus. The caramel notes are subtle and just sweet enough to not need sugar if you’d rather keep it straight.
I tried a second steeping with a touch of cream (had some left over from last nights dinner) and sugar. The result was almost decadent; rich, creamy and sweet… the caramel notes were definitely enhanced by the sugar and the lemon was just the right highlight.
Overall a lovely Darjeeling, flavored just right. I was really surprised at how well the vendor did in balancing this tea out; natural and subtle but yet brisk and refreshing. It made for a wonderful relaxing morning.
