Darjeeling Summer Gold Buds - Teagardenia
Tea : Darjeeling Summer Gold Buds
Producer: Teagardenia
Website: Darjeeling Summer Gold Buds
Website description: This summer delicacy brings aroma, flavor, and character to your cup. This full bodied cup begins with sweet note of Muscat grapes which hum throughout the length of cup. Toward the middle detectable hint of honey and soft notes of vanilla come through, rendering distinct texture to the liquor. The light notes of wood gives a pleasant finish.
Brewing Specs
Water: 240 ml/ approximately 8 oz
Temperature: 185 F
Steep Time: 3 minutes
My Review System: https://artofthepair.com/tea-overview/
My Overall Impression (Score of 85.5%)
It felt like Spring yesterday in MI with the temps close to 60 F. Sipping on this tea watching sunset was a complete joy. It’s beautiful toffee color led to fantastic aroma and clean taste. The malt flavors carried over the profile.
Broken down:
- 50 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 19 cups
- 50 gm cost $16.80 or 88 cents per cup
Typically, I double steep all my teas (use the tea twice) so I can get 38 cups or approximately 44 cents per cup. At that price, this is a tea that you will thoroughly enjoy over and over. Ensure that you keep the bag sealed completely to retain the freshness since this tea is very delicate.
Quick note: As I was working on this review, I kept sensing an aroma that I could not place. I focused on memories like I’ve discussed with wine aromas and I was able to pick up the faint honey tone. It reminded me of when I splurged to purchase bourbon barrel aged honey. Same profile as the tea which brings an entire new dimension to the overall tea quality. Sadly, I’m out of that honey so I need to get some more. 😊
Aromas
- In the bag, the first notes are dried grass/straw which leads to the large malt tones.
- It has hints of aged honey and vanilla powder.
- In the cup, it shows large malt tones with hints of fresh grapes and toast.
- It shows traces of sage, fresh cut wood and cardamom.
Flavors
- This tea shows amazing fresh malt tones that carry over the entire cup.
- It’s off dry with hints of toffee sweetness.
- It reminds me of the sensation of after you have consumed a sugar cookie related to the mouthfeel.
- Incredible delicate profile that keeps bring small hints across such as the aged honey and light grassy notes.
Scores
- Aromas (4.1/5)
- Flavors (8.75/10)
- Overall impression (4.25/5)
- Total score = 85.5 percent (17.1/20)
Foods to Pair
- Clafoutis with red grapes.
- Malted pancakes or waffles.
- Honey glazed grilled chicken or pork chops.
- Quiche with sauteed summer vegetables.
- Fresh ramen in vegetable broth.
- Grilled Ciabatta bread with grilled summer vegetables and feta.