Margaret’s Hope 2nd flush is an Incredible Relaxing Brew

My Overall Impression (Score of 89.25 %)

I miss connecting with you.  This has been a busy summer with work.  Tack on an ulcerative Colitis flair up and you can say this has been a great combination over the last few weeks.  For those of you that suffer with anything like this (or who caught the ‘parasite from lettuce’), you know exactly what I mean.  It was had to slow down for a moment to find joy in anything while in pain.

However, I always say that happiness comes mostly from little things that add up instead of one big event.  For me, it’s been picking the first of the garden this year, working on hobbies, getting into some books that have been waiting and of course tea.  Shockingly, tea is a little thing for me that sets my mood.  Two cups in the morning are not about caffeine; it’s a reset to get ready for the day with a good attitude. 

Carytown teas seem to do that for me.  Their unique blends I absolutely love and their latest sampling has been Margaret’s Hope.  This 2^nd Flush Darjeeling just has character all over its profile that makes it a great cup to chill out over.  I love when food or beverages make you stop to slow down to savor/enjoy.  And this is important for me to do more of.  30 years of kitchens teaches you to eat or drink fast to get back to get the next task done.  However, when you can fully enjoy something (even a simple tea), it brings a simple joy to life.  And for me those little things can change my day.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• “When life gets complicated and your brain is on fire, brew a cup of this, pour into your favorite cup and sip on this to chill out. Such a great tea.”

The Price

The price on 8/3/26 is $11 per 1 ounce or 28 gm

Broken down:

• 28 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 9
• 9 brews per oz = app. 82 cents per cup.
• If brewed twice the cost is 41 cents per cup.

Just an amazing brew that has incredible character, depth and calming qualities.

Aromas

• Opening the package, you are warmly greeted with big grassy notes (dried parsley), followed by faint notes of apples, nutty tones (hazelnut/walnut dust), cedar and muscadel.
• Once brewed, beautiful notes of creamy muscadel, light peaches that are mixed with notes of stone fruits (not distinctive). It just seems to pulse back and forth with all of these notes on the nose.
• This is followed with hints of parsley, thyme and delicate floral notes.

Flavors

• OMG, this is exceptionally smooth on the palate (feels like table cream used in coffee).
• Very clean/classic notes of malt with faint herbal qualities (parsley, thyme, and oregano) with underlying fruits (apples/pears/nectarines) with a touch of honey sweetness.
• Think of golden syrup covering freeze dried strawberries.
• Shockingly dry on the palate with medium acidity and tannins builds a beautiful mouthfeel.

Scores

• Aromas (4.1/5)
• Flavors (8.95/10)
• Overall impression (4.8/5)
  • Total score = 89.25 percent (17.85/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• Macarons or strawberry infused pound cake (using freeze dried berries) would be great on its own but a delicate pairing match.
• I would love to either bake some brie in a small dish to get it softer for charcuterie or to infuse into a cheesecake (I’ve never done this before but it would be awesome).
• Its still warm so grilling is a great option to keep the heat outside. Some grilled chicken thighs tossed into a creamy pasta dusted with berry powder would be completely different.
• I’ve been waiting patiently for apples to come in. As soon as they do, I will take some apples and pears with a very light sauté and puree these for a chilled soup.
• I always forget that crepes are exceptionally easy to make so versatile. Make some crepes and light flambee in some calvados and serve with sauteed apples (just golden brown).
• Forget food. Just brew this and turn on fall movies to sip and let your mind wander to good things.