Ah haven’t been able to update my blog for long. I recently wrote a description for the Goomtee Yellow Tea for Thunderbolt Tea sale page, thought I would share it here too. At least gets my blog rolling!

Without the tea maker, the tea really ceases to exist and thanks to Mr. Sagar Rawat, Manager Goomtee Tea Estate for this unique Darjeeling Yellow Tea. I was quite surprised at its attributes because it resembled black with the nutty character, green and white tea with its vegetal notes and oolong with its faint meaty character.

This particular grade of tea can be called one of the first Darjeeling Tea experimented at Goomtee Tea Estate by the Manager, Mr. Sagar Rawat. Its similar to green tea, but most Darjeeling green teas are average quality except for a few grades such as Arya Emerald. Most of Darjeeling green teas part a light vegetal note with accompanying light Darjeeling characteristics, but this as being a yellow tea imparts a total different character. The processing of yellow tea is similar to that of greens, but supposed to have a slower drying period. This yellow tea has come out to be quite different because of the Darjeeling characteristics present. If nurtured and processed well, this can have a new market of its own with a different fan base.

This batch was specially ordered by one of our wholesale customers, but Goomtee sent us some extra sack. Just a sack is remaining with us and thought why not we put it up and let others try as well.

Dry Tea leaves:
It seems to be a beautiful combination of yellow, black and green leaves, with an overall blackish-yellow appearance. The darker blackish leaves tend to have some yellow spots as if tending to peal off the dark façade and reveal the yellow inside. Quite a unique appearance. The leaves are curly, but not resembling that of bps grade which are much shorter in length. To be precise, it has got well rolled and twisted slender leaves which tend to curl. The first aroma gives an intriguing feel of roasted peanuts which is quite rare in a Darjeeling green. Recommended: Smell as soon as you open the pack. It has got considerable amount of tips and if observed closely, the black leaves tend to appear shiny due to the presence of minute silver hairs. Apart from the first roasted peanuts characteristics, it also imparts a slight fruity aroma, which also appears to have a very mild meaty character reminiscent of an oolong tea.

Wet Tea leaves:
It has a mild sweet, honey toned nose. The leaves tend more towards the yellow-greenish color leaving the black hidden. The curly leaves tend to expand and reveal its true size. Apart from the slight sweetness, it tends to be more nutty similar to almonds; fruity and the roasted peanuts character can be found here as well. It also has that slight vegetal notes common in Darjeeling green and white teas. Mild meaty character also present, but not prominent.

Cup or Tea Liqor:
It imparts a pale yellow colored liqor which has a weak body. The cup gets bitter if steeped for more than 3 minutes, so 2.5-3 minutes steeping recommended. It is slightly astringent leaving the middle of the tongue dry. It tastes like a green Darjeeling slightly vegetal, sweet, but also nutty as the black Darjeeling teas.

I rarely do reviews of teas because the very thought about not reviewing is – I want tea lovers to review it. I want to be an audience which entitles me to pick up my flaws and improve further. Well hope you like this one. Can be found on Thunderbolt Tea’s site as well! But on second thought, I will try reviewing some from now onwards, any tea, from anywhere!

First Flush Darjeeling Tea 2010
Now this is end of February and I am eagerly waiting for some of Darjeeling First Flush Teas from 2010. Very little rain till now and hope it improves. The silver lining for rain is there because its been quite cloudy for a couple of days. Just that the clouds are not being able to accumulate the amount of droplets needed

Regarding the Yellow tea above, a tea friend of mine, Max, has reviewed it as well, but is in Swedish language. You can check his review here