One has tried this tea many years back and enjoyed it so.
This estate in the center of Mirik pumps out a lot of good tea and has a larger garden then most to pick from. That could be a reason why tea from Thurbo Estate seems more readily available to tea drinkers.
Lets heat up some water and give it a try...
The leaves smell of dry bittersweet depth with an overarching 'green' character. There is a pungent spiciness that almost burns in the nose. They are a nice mix of whitish hairy tips that compliment greener small leaves.
These leaves are filed into the pot, the hot water is added, sip.... sip... 
In the first few infusions sweetness explodes into a grainy, pungent wine-like grape flavours. Spiciness and faint flowers seem to compliment the bouquet of this fine wine... uhmm... tea. This flavour is quite individual, unique for a Darjeeling. The mouth is alerted to a full coating. An energy that is powerful and bright coasts through the body. In an instant you know that this tea is good. 
The next infusions bring a grainy, almost melon-grape flavour. It's this fermented taste that lingers under all of this that makes this tea. The staunch mouthfeel doesn't hurt either. 
It doesn't take long before this tea really smooths out becoming gentle as it wears on. Conversely, its built up cha qi is likely to push one into distraction rather than concentration. Near the end the distraction is welcomed as no flavor is left to cherish.
Peace
This estate in the center of Mirik pumps out a lot of good tea and has a larger garden then most to pick from. That could be a reason why tea from Thurbo Estate seems more readily available to tea drinkers.
Lets heat up some water and give it a try...
The leaves smell of dry bittersweet depth with an overarching 'green' character. There is a pungent spiciness that almost burns in the nose. They are a nice mix of whitish hairy tips that compliment greener small leaves.
These leaves are filed into the pot, the hot water is added, sip.... sip...
In the first few infusions sweetness explodes into a grainy, pungent wine-like grape flavours. Spiciness and faint flowers seem to compliment the bouquet of this fine wine... uhmm... tea. This flavour is quite individual, unique for a Darjeeling. The mouth is alerted to a full coating. An energy that is powerful and bright coasts through the body. In an instant you know that this tea is good.
The next infusions bring a grainy, almost melon-grape flavour. It's this fermented taste that lingers under all of this that makes this tea. The staunch mouthfeel doesn't hurt either.
It doesn't take long before this tea really smooths out becoming gentle as it wears on. Conversely, its built up cha qi is likely to push one into distraction rather than concentration. Near the end the distraction is welcomed as no flavor is left to cherish.
Peace
2 comments:
Dear Mattcha,
Forgive me for writing to you on a different topic from that of your blog post. However, knowing that you are somewhat of an expert in the field of Korean tea, I was wondering what your opinion would be on the matter of Korean tea farms.
From May 13th to the 19th I will be in Korea and would love very much to see some of the tea farms that have produced some of the best tea I've had so far. My favorites come from Jirisan. I was curious if you had been to Jirisan and what farms are accessible to the public (or what one would have to do to gain access). I have read your posts regarding Boseong and Jeju and, while both interest me, I was wondering what you thought about Jirisan.
Any information would help as currently my girlfriend has her heart set on going to Jeju (but for largely non-tea reasons...which makes me sad). Many thanks again for the always wonderful blog. Hope to hear from you soon!
Votre Ami du Thé,
Scott
(splnorton@yahoo.com)
Scott,
Yes, by far the best tea in Korea comes from Jiri Mountain. Hands down.
One hadn't written about it because it's sometimes best to save the best for last. Actually, one has had that post part-way finished for quite some time now... Coming Soon...
An email is coming your way.
Any questions about Korea tea or just tea in general are always welcome.
Peace
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