I want to share this piece of interesting information, I have learned
from some Indian tea tasters during my trip in India. Which flush of
Darjeeling is better- 1st flush, 2nd flush or autumnal flush?

All of them gave me the same answer- 2nd flush. The reason is- 2nd
flush taste remains longer then 1st & autumnal flush(not only for time
also the taste). For this reason in the tea auction house 2nd flush
Darjeeling teas demand is always high. If the tea chest is sealed
properly(with three layers sacks packing)- the 1st & autumnal flush
Darjeeling tea can remain fresh a whole year whether 2nd flush remains
good two years. That's why blenders always prefer 2nd flush.

Ripon
(Dhaka, Bangladesh)

"Ripon" wrote in message
m...
I want to share this piece of interesting information, I have learned
from some Indian tea tasters during my trip in India. Which flush of
Darjeeling is better- 1st flush, 2nd flush or autumnal flush?

All of them gave me the same answer- 2nd flush. The reason is- 2nd
flush taste remains longer then 1st & autumnal flush(not only for time
also the taste). For this reason in the tea auction house 2nd flush
Darjeeling teas demand is always high. If the tea chest is sealed
properly(with three layers sacks packing)- the 1st & autumnal flush
Darjeeling tea can remain fresh a whole year whether 2nd flush remains
good two years. That's why blenders always prefer 2nd flush.

Ripon
(Dhaka, Bangladesh)

My favorite is Margaret's Hope 2nd Flush. I find the taste is just perfect.

1/20/04


I want to share this piece of interesting information, I have learned
from some Indian tea tasters during my trip in India. Which flush of
Darjeeling is better- 1st flush, 2nd flush or autumnal flush?

All of them gave me the same answer- 2nd flush. The reason is- 2nd
flush taste remains longer then 1st & autumnal flush(not only for time
also the taste). For this reason in the tea auction house 2nd flush
Darjeeling teas demand is always high. If the tea chest is sealed
properly(with three layers sacks packing)- the 1st & autumnal flush
Darjeeling tea can remain fresh a whole year whether 2nd flush remains
good two years. That's why blenders always prefer 2nd flush.

Ripon
(Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Of course, a tea that is perceived to be amenable to storage for two years
as opposed to one year would be the choice of merchants and sellers. On the
end-user end, namely me, I find other distinctions between first and second
flushes which can draw me to the first flush at times. More specifically, I
*perceive* a certain green fresh quality and a delicateness to some first
flushes that are lost in the "stronger" flavors of the second. (Disclosu
My experience is limited to Avongrove and Gopaldhara for the purpose of this
discussion.)

Having said that, on balance, I too prefer a second flush.

BTW, three layers of sacking would be about as valuable at preserving
freshness as one would be, in my (humble?) opinion.

Michael

"Michael Plant" wrote in message
...
1/20/04


I want to share this piece of interesting information, I have learned
from some Indian tea tasters during my trip in India. Which flush of
Darjeeling is better- 1st flush, 2nd flush or autumnal flush?

All of them gave me the same answer- 2nd flush. The reason is- 2nd
flush taste remains longer then 1st & autumnal flush(not only for time
also the taste). For this reason in the tea auction house 2nd flush
Darjeeling teas demand is always high. If the tea chest is sealed
properly(with three layers sacks packing)- the 1st & autumnal flush
Darjeeling tea can remain fresh a whole year whether 2nd flush remains
good two years. That's why blenders always prefer 2nd flush.

Ripon
(Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Of course, a tea that is perceived to be amenable to storage for two years
as opposed to one year would be the choice of merchants and sellers. On
the
end-user end, namely me, I find other distinctions between first and
second
flushes which can draw me to the first flush at times. More specifically,
I
*perceive* a certain green fresh quality and a delicateness to some first
flushes that are lost in the "stronger" flavors of the second.
(Disclosu
My experience is limited to Avongrove and Gopaldhara for the purpose of
this
discussion.)

Having said that, on balance, I too prefer a second flush.

BTW, three layers of sacking would be about as valuable at preserving
freshness as one would be, in my (humble?) opinion.

Michael

The best 2003 Darjeeling I've tasted is the Makaibari Estate 2nd Fl.
Muscatel FTGFOP1S, DJ-86; intensely floral and fruity, with an amazingly
long finish. But I agree with Michael: the delicate, floral/grassy
character of first flushes are wonderful, especially if they're fresh. In
fact, for all intents many of them are green or oolong teas - the brewed
leaves of last year's Puttabong first flush appeared to be entirely green -
no apparent oxidation, even on the edges.

Dean