Organic Fairtrade Makaibari Darjeeling (Hampstead Tea)

Darjeeling teas are often referred to as the champagne of teas, with good reason. Darjeelings typically express the depth and nuance tea connoisseurs look for from the best of any tea, be they black, green, white or herbal. The Makaibari region within Darjeeling region also tends to produce some of the best Darjeelings season after season. Let’s check this one out from Hampstead Tea of London.

Talbott Teas is pretty well known now for their involvement with Oprah Winfrey’s television variety show and her magazine “O.” They’re also involved with Donald Trump’s tea line which continues to gain popularity. Still their relative public notoriety hasn’t translated into wider industry acknowledgement. Unfortunately.

The loose leaves for this Darjeeling tea are a wonderful mix of golden tips, light and dark brown with occasional stems in. The leaves are lightly twisted and loosely packed. The liquor appears a honeyed brown once brewed.

The dry leaf aroma is light and leafy with hints of honeysuckle and stone fruits such as apricot or nectarine. Once brewed the aroma remains light and inviting, but turns slightly sweeter with notes honey.

On the palate this Makaibari Darjeeling plays with light astringency. It doesn’t dry the entire palate, just the tip of the tongue. There’s minimal pucker in the finish as well. I did note some sweetness during the sip and a bit of vegetal undertone as well.

This Darjeeling is not a particularly strong tea. Those looking for something with a kick won’t find it here. But those looking for a distraction from your everyday black teas will find something wonderful and nuanced in this package. I’ve had better Darjeelings and I’ve had worse. Your palate is your own. I encourage you to find your sweet spot.

Fans of  other Darjeelings, himalayan teas teas and Chinese Ching Ming teas and keemun black teas may enjoy this blend.