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THUNDERBOLT DARJEELING FTGFOP
SINGLE ESTATE
TASTING NOTES
AROMA
Green and pungent.
Green and pungent.
PALATE
Round and brisk with a hint of muscatel.
3380DARJEELING COUP DE FOUDRE
This blend is alluringly complex, relatively light-liquoring, and recognized for its evocative mouth-dry feel.
In a sudden flash, a brilliant lighting bolt struck just below me. Seconds later, a thunderous clap made my hair stand on end. The guide told us that Indra, the Thunder God, was just waking from his nap. Welcome to Darjeeling, the Land of the Thunderbolts!
Grown in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, India, this blend is one of the great black tea experiences and considered by collectors and connoisseurs to be the Indian answer to China Keemun black teas. Unlike the Assam black tea (prized for its malty strength) which is made from the large leaf Camellia sinensis, Darjeeling is made from the same small leaf tea plant as the Chinese varietal of Camellia sinensis.
THUNDERBOLT DARJEELING FTGFOP
YIELD 50 cups
PRICE $23.95
YIELD 200 cups
PRICE $71.85
MASTER BLENDER TASTING NOTES
Known as the "champagne of tea" and charged with the distinct Darjeeling character, this 2nd flush is named for the region (Darjeeling literally means "Land of the Thunderbolts").
Similar to the champagne designation in France, only black teas grown in the Darjeeling region (cultivated, grown, and processed in the hilly areas of Sadar, Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Silguri) are allowed to be called "Darjeeling Tea." The annual production of the entire region is approximately 10,000 tons which has led to "false" or "fake" Darjeeling, with worldwide sales exceeding 45,000 tons.
The grade of this whole leaf tea is FTGFOP (Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe). This is exemplified by numerous tips and long, wiry leaves. This grade is rare and has to be carefully cupped to discern its true nature and proper grading.
