Puttabong FTGFOP1 First Flush

Finally got around to trying the little sample pack of this Darjeeling tea that came free with my order of Oolongs. The description, FTGFOP1, stands for Full-leaf, Tippy, Golden, Flowery, Orange, Pekoe, Grade 1. It appears that I was mistaken in thinking that the code also includes an indication of First Flush.

It was my first time trying a First Flush Darjeeling, and after reading some reviews I tried to make sure that the water wasn't too hot (195F, 2.5 min). I did a second steep for about 5-6 minutes.

I would compare the experience with that of running into a Bach Partita for the first time in a concert hall; love at first sight, scolding yourself for never trying it before, etc etc. Then you remember that even if you knew how it would make you feel, you probably wouldn't have been able to afford it. The analogy can be extended to the second steeping; the second encounter invariable reveals things unnoticed in the first.

Speaking of Bach Partitas, I had the privilege of drinking this CD of Gidon Kremer's when listening to this tea. Now that one I would not dare write anything about, one can only display so much ignorance in one morning.

Coming back to the tea, in the language of the Interwebs, A+++ WIL BY AGAIN. When I can afford anything larger than a 1oz free sample.