Da Hong Pao Oolong, Organic

Normally I'm an Assam girl, but when this year's Makaibari first flush tea came out, I was intrigued, and thought I'd give it a try. I am officially a fan! It's crisp, clean and flavorful. The taste is rich and complex enough for my morning cup. Definitely best without milk, so all the flavors can find full expression.

Vayu blend is one of my favorites of Silver Tips Ayurvedic herbal teas. It's fresh and aromatic with a smooth, silky finish. And who can resist those tiny rose buds?

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.

I find the distinct flavor of Makhabari Second Flush to be a favorite all day; First Flush, Earl Grey, and classic Chai are reserved for morning - refreshing and strong. The scent of Silver Tips tea lingers in a full pot, ready for seconds. Thank you!

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.

I love this tea. I drink it every day and give it as gifts to people I love.

Hints of cocoa, smoke and exotic fruits with the typical caramelization in the cup. Perfect iced also

This grey is bright and crisp. One of my favorites when I need to change things up a bit.

A subtly delicious cup. The base is not too smokey, and the jasmine adds a gentle floral flavor. Wonderful for relaxing in the afternoon with a book.

This is an excellent tea. Lapsang Souchong is one of my favorite teas, as both a breakfast cup and afternoon cup, and this one does not disappoint. Strong, smokey, and fine with a little sweetener and milk!

This is the best Earl Grey! Love it and have friends who are Earl Grey aficionados who are in love with this tea and now order it for themselves :)

Very mild flavor more to my liking than harsh black tea.

I love the Assam BOP - it’s one of my favorite morning teas. Strong and tastes great with milk as well!

I used to drink a pot or two of this every saturday morning when they had the tea shop in Tarrytown. I ordered the Ancient Forest Yunnan from the website thinking that it was the tea i used to drink but this has a richer, deeper flavor...

A delicious morning cup ^_^