DARJEELING EXOTIC GREEN- 75Gms

We all know where the traditional green teas come from, but you’d be as surprised as us to know, that the elusive trail of Umami steeps right through the hills and valleys of Darjeeling too. Or so we’ve discovered.

Tradition and ‘The Traditional’ are values that have stood the test of time but like all values, they must exist in contrast to something. The contrast they exist in with are possibilities and exceptions. If you think about it, possibilities and exceptions, in fact, spawn out of the traditional itself and become a part of the traditional if their values maintain authenticity and adherence to the principles of tradition. Exploring possibility, we came across this exception – a green tea, imbibed with the authenticity of its terrain, yet most reminiscent of its heritage. Here’s the traditional, making room for the exception, in a cup of tea, and if you look long enough through the transparent green hue, the thought might just take root!

It’s hard to describe the (umami) flavor of this tea, in a few pithy lines. The impulse to describe, though overwhelming, is futile, as it ends up referencing the flavor itself. But, just for the sake of indulgence: There’s a certain savory, warm, richness unlike any other tastes, in this tea that spreads across the mouth, creating a ‘mouthfeel’ that’s mouthwatering and lingering.  Add to that, the background of the unmistakable, very-very subtle-sweet aroma of Darjeeling first flush flavor and we’d be getting somewhere.

Grown in the natural shades, in very monitored settings, the leaves are plucked from the Japanese Yabukita Cultivars. And this is where the adherence to the traditional principles come into play. It is this shaded green process that yields its high Theanine and Catechin content. You will feel the calming and centering effect – we can assure you from experience.

The First Flush plucking is extremely fine, mostly consisting of leaves and young buds and quite unique in flavor and an even unique green color.

The dry leaves are Dark green (almost black) in color, with a sweet aroma that’s also present in the brewed tea, in the background to the more prominent ‘Umami’. Mouthwatering with absolutely no astringency and it brews into a bright green transparent liquor with a lingering flavor.  This is, in fact, the most elusive and authentic green tea to come out of Darjeeling.