I am not well versed in Darjeeling tea. That won’t stop me from giving my opinion. The dry scent is a combination of fruity, woodsy, and fall leaf (Muscat?). The brew is bronze/caramel and has a similar aroma to the dry leaf with the addition of a bready note. In sipping this begins fruity and mellow, then swells mid sip to a brisk bite that just as quickly recedes back to fruity and mellow. This is kind of naturally sweet. The aftertaste hangs on. It is fruity, woodsy, and almost malty.
I had no bitterness as prepared. There is a standard amount of dryness. I drank this on an empty stomach and it did not cause me discomfort.
Is this a great Darjeeling? I have no idea. I did enjoy it.
The best teas are the ones you enjoy. :)
I haven’t found a Darjeeling I love yet, though there was a Margaret’s Hope a long time ago that had lots of promise. I just sent the rest of my Badamtam to JacquelineM so it can be loved! LOL!
I’m kind of that way with assam. It all tastes like, well, tea. Even the good stuff that is very pleasant, has seldom moved me to crave it.