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This is a lovely second-flush Darjeeling. It is full-bodied, smooth, deep, and pleasantly tannic, with that Darjeeling “tang” (at the end) that I have come to love about teas from this region. A fine tea indeed, but a tad pricey.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 1:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 6:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

Although this has the seemingly-obligatory smell / taste of dirty work pants, it has less of it than other shengs I have tried. There is also a touch of the sweet and floral here. A definate improvement over previous shengs I have tasted, but still pretty bad.

This is a solidly enjoyable, and enjoyably solid, no-nonsense SF Darjeeling. Nicely muscatel, with moderate tannins and astringency, and the usual Darjeeling fruit-like tartness.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 2:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 7:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

A somewhat odd-tasting tea: similar to a FF Darjeeling (albeit in a muted form), but there is also a note of something akin to wheat, or a similar grain. Way too expensive for something that tastes rather flat, and is nothing much in particular.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 75 deg., 2:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 75 deg., 4:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 75 deg., 10:00+ min.

This tea is a blend of a bai mu dan and a FF Darjeeling: one-third the former and two-thirds the latter. The white tea components tend to tone down the Darjeeling aspects (which in turn rather overwhelm the former). Nice enough, I guess, but too expensive for something so mixed-up.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 75 deg., 2:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 75 deg., 4:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 75 deg., 10:00+ min.

This is an unusual-tasting tea. It is similar to a FF Darjeeling (possibly as a result of the hard wither each receives), but with more of a tart tang and fruit-like element to it. A FF Darjeeling on steroids, perhaps.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 2:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 4:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

Drinking the 2013 version of this, Lot 217, is disappointing. The promise in the aroma of the wet leaves and liquor proves futile in the taste of the liquor itself. This seems to be common with gaoshans, viz. lots of promise but less fulfillment.

First infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz water, 90 deg., 4:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 90 deg., 7:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

This tea combines the flavours of steamed veg., flowers, cream, honey, peaches, and spice. It seems to be a cross between a Chinese green (25%) and a green oolong (75%). A lovely tea, but pricey.

First infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz water, 70 deg., 2:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 3:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 5:00 min.

Fourth infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 10:00+ min.

Described as an oolong but brewed as a black – whatever one calls it, it is a lovely tea. First brew is tangy like a FF Darj, with noticeable tannins. Later brews produce softer tannins, and a bit sweetness, similar to a muted Ceylon.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 2:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 4:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

A lovely tea, whose dry leaves smell of sweet tobacco, aged wood, and crushed chestnut leaves in the fall. The taste is mild (for an Assam), sweet, and smooth. Although this is a fine tea (even after 2 years from harvest), I enjoyed the smell of the dry leaves more than the taste of the liquor!

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 1:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 5:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.