For the past 2 days, I've been coming home to find notices on my front door from the UPS guy. Having worked from home in the past, I know all the UPS drivers and couldn't believe he wasn't just leaving the package on my front porch. But no, I would authorize a signature and he would scribble, "Sorry, cannot leave it". Finally yesterday, I met him and he handed me this fairly large package. And let me tell you, it was worth wait. I found this beautifully wrapped bottle of wine that was almost too good to unwrap...but I did! I noticed the clever play of words on the advertising from the wine glass that made up the "h" of the word 'crush' to the company (Crush Wine) tag line and, finally, of course, the wine. A very special thanks to my friends Bob and Juanita for this pretty excellent gift.
Second flush Makaibari Estate Darjeeling is a fresh, crisp brew with a clean finish. It's more robust than first flush, but still aromatic with citrus notes. For me it teeters between first flush, where I would never use milk, and a more traditional Assam, where I would. Comparing first flush and second, I do think first flush is perhaps a more unique and special tea, but maybe something I'll buy seasonally. The delight of that first cup of first flush feels like spring in a teacup. Second flush is a bit more ordinary, but also a superb tea. You can't go wrong with either.