Country of Origin: India
Leaf Appearance: small, dark with scattered golden tips
Ingredients: black tea
Steep time: 5 minutes
Water Temperature: 195 degrees
Preparation Method: ceramic teacup and mesh infuser
Liquor: dark amber
It had been a while since I visited Bellocq so I stopped in while I was nearby at MatchaBar. Their shop is so beautiful that I often get distracted and forget what I came for in the first place. I had been planning to stock back up on their White Wolf but then I realized that I was completely out of Darjeeling. Blasphemy! They had a few to choose from but I opted for the 2nd flush from Giddapahar as I thought my boyfriend would enjoy it the most. The taste was full bodied and brisk but with a lot of pleasant sweetness. I wouldn’t quite call it muscatel but there was some grapiness accompanied by a lingering floral aftertaste. It’s probably best to not add anything to this tea but a touch of honey might be nice if you were so inclined. This one is middle range for their offerings but a little expensive for Darjeeling. It’s not a daily drinker for me but I whip out when the mood strikes.
Giddapahar 2nd Flush sample purchased from Bellocq.