Giddapahar Gold Musk (DJ-72) Darjeeling Second Flush 2024 Tea

Giddapahar Gold Musk Darjeeling

Discovered by us in ’09, the “muscatel” magic of Giddapahar Tea Estate’s Second Flush was a revelation to our tea-loving friends. Back then, it was a hidden gem. The positive feedback we received was a testament to its quality. We were proud to promote this unique Darjeeling. While Giddapahar consistently produces exceptional and affordable teas, our last encounter with their “muscatel” was way back in 2016. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we haven’t been able to source their teas since. But this year, after nearly eight years, a selection of samples arrived, and their captivating aroma and flavor left us with no choice but to secure this year’s “Giddapahar Gold Musk”, DJ-72. We received a shipment of around 20 samples, labeled DJ-70 to DJ-90. The quality varied, with a mix of what could be considered standard (ch or chinary) and superior (“musk”) grades. The superior musk grades clearly impressed us. Among the six superior samples provided, DJ-72 stood out particularly. It emerged as a favorite even in the face of strong competition.

This delightful muscatel Darjeeling from Giddapahar is a long-awaited return. For true tea connoisseurs who cherish the muscatel character, this is a must-try. The mastermind behind these exceptional teas is Mr. Sharma, a tea maker with over four decades of experience at Giddapahar. From their range of muscatel teas, we selected the one that truly stood out. Mr. Sharma himself was delighted with our choice, knowing it originated from a special section of the tea estate where the chinary bushes produce the highest quality leaves specifically for crafting muscatel teas. Interestingly, we conducted a blind tasting, with no prior knowledge about the origin or specific section of the tea garden from which each sample came. This selection truly stood out on its own merit, confirming its place as the best offering from Giddapahar this Second Flush.

With the abundance of Giddapahar teas available online, it’s important to be a discerning buyer. Look out for teas labeled as “Musk”. Genuine muscatel teas from Giddapahar will be clearly marked as “Musk.” Unfortunately, some vendors may mislead customers by labeling regular FTGFOP1 ch grade teas as “Musk.” This is why choosing a reputable vendor is crucial. As a token of authenticity, we’ve included a picture of our Giddapahar tea sack along with the original invoice number, DJ-72, clearly showing the tea marked as “Musk” on the sack itself. Ultimately, the choice of vendor is yours. However, if you have any doubts, simply ask for a picture of their tea sack to the vendor. We invite you to try our Giddapahar Musk and experience the difference for yourself. We’re confident you’ll agree it’s the real deal.

Giddapahar Gold Musk (DJ-72)

Darjeeling Second Flush 2024 Muscatel Tea

Nestled amidst the highest reaches of the Giddapahar Tea Estate, the source of our “Gold Musk” tea boasts a unique advantage: special chinary bushes. These prized plants yield exceptional quality leaves specifically cultivated for crafting exquisite muscatel teas. Unlike their more common counterparts, the chinary bushes used for “Gold Musk” produce surprisingly large and slender leaves. Cloaked in a layer of downy hairs, they shimmer with a vibrant sheen, and a closer inspection reveals a generous sprinkling of silver tips – a hallmark of premium quality. The first sensory delight comes from the aroma itself, a captivating mélange of fruits and nuts. Yet, it’s the pronounced muscatel sweetness that truly dominates, hinting at the exquisite flavor experience that awaits.

As the hot water dances with the Giddapahar Gold Musk Darjeeling tea leaves, a vibrant infusion unfolds. The liquor boasts a captivating interplay of chocolate and brown hues, merging seamlessly to create a coppery brilliance that shimmers in the cup. The first inhale is a delightful awakening for the senses. Fresh, musky notes dominate, intertwined with a symphony of fruity and nutty undertones. A surprising yet delightful minty overlay adds a touch of cool complexity, balancing the sweetness. This isn’t just a hint of sweetness, though – a wave of honey-like fragrance permeates the aroma, promising a taste that is as indulgent as it is invigorating. Every aspect of this tea, from its captivating color to its multi-layered aroma, speaks volumes about the expertise that goes into crafting this exceptional Darjeeling.

Sourced from the prime growing area of the Giddapahar Tea Estate, this Darjeeling black tea is a handcrafted experience. Skilled hands pluck Chinary tea leaves, ensuring the highest quality for your cup. Each sip promises the essence of Darjeeling – a full expression of the region’s celebrated muscatel character. True tea enthusiasts will find this a must-try, a journey into the heart of what makes Darjeeling so beloved.