This review is really more about storage than the tea. I bought this tea as part of a too-large order in order to meet a high minimum order for free shipping (I’m a sucker for free shipping).
When the tea arrived, I realized I had just purchased about 3 years worth of Darjeeling. Fortunately the teas came in those vacuum-packed bags. I picked two of the bags to set aside and drank the other teas, which were really, really good. Being stupid, I kept buying Darjeeling and putting off opening the vacuum packs until today, about 3 1/2 years after the tea was picked.
So, the tea was surprisingly good! The nose had a light floral character that I only see in the best of the first flush teas. The taste was a sweet straw with delicate flavor, and floral highlights. The taste transitioned smoothly into a long, soft finish.
The second steep has many of the same features as the first but added a bit of tannin, which made it less pleasant.
hahah that’s wonderful!
I feel much better since I have another 10-15 ounces of various teas sitting in the vacuum bags. I take one out whenever I feel the need to buy tea. Sometimes it helps me resist the urge.
That’s pretty smart. I should start practicing that. This makes me feel better about mine. I’m always worried last (last last) spring’s harvest will go bad…