My Overall Impression (Score of 85.5%)

I’m already planning a trip to Toronto this year to fly fish for Salmon.  I know that the day I go fishing, it will be cold, grey, and foggy.  I can guarantee you that this is the tea that I will drink that morning and carry with me as I fly fish (and most likely catch nothing).  It does not matter.  It’s about the experience of being in nature and enjoying.

This is what this cup means to me – enjoyment at its finest.  This is a classic showing of Darjeeling that I love.  This will most likely be my base tea that I drink a few times a week as the leaves change.  I love its warm depth, its hint of charcoal malt and big structure.

The price as of 8/23/23 is $29.95 CAN for 100 grams.

Broken down:

• 100 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 33 cups
• 33 cups from package = app 91 cents per cup CAN

Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 66 cups or approximately 45 cents CAN per cup.  This is a great price for this quality (especially factoring in the exchange rate).  Definitely one I will be drinking in the Fall. 

Aromas

• When I opened the bag, it reminded me a bit of opening a bag of charcoal. You know when you open a bag, and the fine dust seems to go everywhere.  Take those aroma notes and layer this  with toasted strong malt tones.
• After this, you can find wet gravel notes with hints of black pepper, black plum, walnuts, and light tobacco.
• Once brewed, there is a great deal of depth to the malt aroma. It reminded me of slightly smoked or grilled items with the sweetness of toffee and brown sugar (molasses).  This finished with hints of cinnamon and cardamom.

Flavors

• This has great cereal malt flavors over the entire profile (reminds me of the blend for beer making).
• There is no fruit evident, but great notes of toffee / golden syrup, cigars. It had the faint note of the bark that you would find out the outside of brisket.
• At the brewing temp, it was slightly astringent but that added to its character and dusty mouthfeel. However, it was very rich and inviting with large tannins to support the structure.

Scores

• Aromas (4.2/5)
• Flavors (8.5/10)
• Overall impression (4.4/5)
  • Total score = 85.5 percent (17.1/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• This is another brew that I would drink with nothing and be happy. Its incredible structure and rich flavors are amazing and fully enjoyable.
• I would consider braised meats such as beef or lamb as the brew’s tannins will stand up to the food.
• I love Fall for fresh potatoes roasted with some bacon and onions tossed in and fresh ground pepper. The other option is to find a large Russet potato and bake it off British Style and then stuff it with some shaved Ribeye and peppers (similar to a Philly Cheesesteak).
• You cannot have fall food without a football game and Chili with skillet cornbread. This is a tea that will stand up and enhance these foods.
• Living in Texas for a number of years, I love a good empanada or Carnitas.
• If company shows up, I would pull out some charcuterie and pickled beets with this tea as the tannins and acidity would be strong enough to match.