Light sunshine-golden color on 3-to-5-minutes steep, deepening to clear honey after 8. Yes, heresy; I like them well-steeped.
1st steep is light and mild, yet very full-flavored for all its subtlety. Absent of the palate-wrinkling acidity of most Darjeelings. Light notes of fruit and honey up front in the aroma, backed by a smooth and delicate sweetness of fresh-mown hay, heather, wildflowers and yes, caramel, honey and muscatel on the tongue. Remarkably light in the finish and body—and the purity is tangible, speaking well of the care taken in this organic offering. Patience and attentiveness are rewarded with this one for sure.
Well-paired with a light aromatic tobacco such as Peterson’s Sweet Killarney or Sterling’s Sweet Briar.