I'm always nervous when I sip the first cup of a new batch tea, because you never know if it will live up to previous years' harvests.
Makaibari 2nd Flush is possibly the best I have tasted from this garden.
Full disclosure, I drink my tea with milk and sugar so I stay away from 1st Flush - regardless of which Tea Estate it is from.
I always try a new 2nd Flush as my first morning tea and my first few sips are before I add milk or sugar. Then I add only as much milk and sugar as I think the tea will tolerate.
My first cup, following the brewing directions on the package, came out a little strong so I brewed another cup with 1 heaped regular teaspoon [not a teaspoon measure] - for three minutes. Perfect ... for me at least.
I have to be careful with the milk and sugar or that glorious Darjeeling flavour is drowned. Most of my friends who have worked in and managed Darjeeling tea estates shake their heads when I tell them I add milk and sugar, but this batch handles it very well.
If you want to know the 'taste of Darjeeling', this is a very good place to start.
I'm ordering more of it as soon as I finish this review.
This review wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention the stellar customer service that I have always had from SilverTips Tea. You won't find a more responsive, caring and knowledgeable retailer! Thank you so much.
So glad to hear you enjoyed this year's harvest, particularly as it was late coming in to our warehouse. And thank you for kind words about our service. We have been getting excellent feedback on both the 1st and 2nd flush from this year. Happy to know you are among them.
I've been drinking Samovar tea as my favored morning tea for many years. It's a rich full body tea that I truly enjoy.
So glad you enjoy this. The slightly fruity notes of Lychee tone down the undernotes of smokiness of the base tea. Samovar has a small but very dedicated following!