On Tue, 09 Nov 2004 11:28:30 GMT, Michael Plant
wrote:

DPMJFPjd.81$Bj2.18@trndny0111/8/04

Michael,

Actually, Upton just sent an order of the DJ79 and DJ84 from the Makaibari
Estate, and I can attest to their quality. I cannot order from a German
supplier for comparison, but these are very good - as good as Kyela Teas,
although Kevin seems to concentrate on first flush and the Makaibaris are
seconds, and for their quality the price is reasonable.

BTW, Kyela's Gopaldhara DJ29 Oolong First Flush 2004 is, IMHO, excellent. I
got 50g and will probably go back for more. Very bright and well-balanced,
fruity and long. This is probably the best Darjeeling oolong I've tasted to
date.

Regards,
Dean


Dean,

It's good news to hear that Darjeeling recovered from its slow and painful
start this year. It's especially good to hear your praise of Kyela's
Gopaldhara, a garden that has produced some of my favorites in the past.

Michael

Hi,
you are right, here (particularly in Germany) one may get very fine
Darjeelings at very acceptable price. The best that I tasted were
still better than the best of Upton's but cost only half of the price.
The problem is that most these vendors does'nt allow the sampling of
their stock.
I appreciate Kyela Teas, but unfortunately, for unknown reason my
orders were quite often delayed (morethan 3 months) or simply lost
forever. It's not problem of KT. I imagine that some stupid custom
officer take these teas for some other prohibited plants.
Thanks for your feedback
Karel Valter