My Overall Impression (Score of 89.5%)

The great part about exploring tea is all of the options that are available to enjoy.  I now find it dangerous to go into a tea shop because there are so many things I wish to sample but I have to limit how much I purchase (or do I…hmmm).

The bad part?  I have a huge stash of tea that I wish to write about and share with you.  Every now and then, A gem appears in the stash that I wish I tried sooner.  Teagardenia markets a blend called Darjeeling Spicy White that is just awesome.

I had purchased this awhile back as I love spice and really wanted to see what this one was about.  Well, this tea is NOT spicy at all like my brain envisioned.  I expected something hot…what I received was something that is dimensional in character.  This has tiny notes of ginger, star anise, cinnamon and white pepper.  These spices (honestly the best way to describe it) dance on the palate.  And they grow in intensity with each sip and brew.

I have never had so much fun drinking a tea that just seemed to evolve with every sip.  The Chef side in me was confused at first.  Like – what do I do with this?  Then after it kept growing and changing, my brain said what can I not do with this?  😊

This is an entertaining tea to enjoy on its own or pair with so many different food items.  I can’t wait to take a day with this and cook to watch the waltz between this brew and ingredients.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• “What is this madness on my palate? How can a tea be exceptional on its own and pair with such a diversity of foods?”

The Price

The price on 7/8/22 is $11.34 for 50 grams.

Broken down:

• 50 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 16 brews
• 16 brews from package = app. 71 cents per brew

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 32 cups or approximately 35 cents per cup.  Great price for this value. 

Note – I’m attempting to confirm that Teagardenia now sells this as Darjeeling Exotic Peppery White for $26.88 for 50 gm.  If you purchase this, the price has increased over the last few years but catch this on a sale to reduce your price.

Aromas

• Opening the package, your first introduction to this loose tea is dried moss and parsley, dried grass, fresh honeydew and green bean leaves (just like you move the leaves aside to pick).
• This is followed by notes of sawdust (like walking through a lumberyard), white pepper, and canned green beans (yes that sounds weird but you know what I’m talking about).
• Once brewed, this is something special with a spicy sweetness overlaying the entire profile reminding me of golden toffee/caramel.
• Then after it sits for a bit, you can detect tiny notes of star anise, nutmeg, and ground cloves which are all very delicate.

Flavors

• From the first sip, you know that this has a deep structure to it. It shows off dry notes with great acidity, moderate tannins and good body.  Combining all of this produces an inviting tea that wants you to drink it.
• This just shows so much variety in the first glass. Poached pears in malt to a multi bean soup (Asian influenced) to sweet biscuits with a honeyed essence. 
• Then you pick up notes of candied ginger, cinnamon stick and 5 spice slowing integrating itself into the brew. It’s exceptionally delicate and it builds with each sip and brew.
• Lastly, it has a briny finish with hints of dried parsley, celery leaf and thyme.

Scores

• Aromas (4.4/5)
• Flavors (8.9/10)
• Overall impression (4.6/5)
  • Total score = 89.5 percent (17.9/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• I love charcuterie plates as you can have so many options and combinations. For this tea, I would set out honeyed biscuits, brie cheese and fresh fruit (melons, grapes, pears and satsumas).
• Maybe because its winter time but I still keep thinking a multi bean soup in a ramen broth would be so distinctive, rich and downright tasty with this tea.
• Think of a poached whitefish with a honeyed beurre blanc combination with this brew.
• Years ago, I made this dish called lucky burgers which are grilled burgers topped with cheddar and grilled pears (so they are caramelized) with a toasted brioche bun. And with this tea in the summer (maybe sun-brewed) would be incredible.
• Don’t know why but Mongolian beef could be a winner as the structure of this brew would definitely stand up to this.
• Very thinly sliced buttered and toasted Asian spiced pound cake and of course whipped cream would be an amazing dessert to pair with this brew.
• It’s pear season so you have to have a poached pear. However, not in wine, but a simple syrup (1 part sugar, 2 parts water) and a teaspoon of these leaves in the syrup.