Castleton Moonlight Premier Tea (DJ-218) Second Flush 2024 Darjeeling

Castleton Moonlight Premier Tea Second Flush 2024

After a hiatus of several years, we recently embarked on a much-anticipated return to the renowned Castleton Tea Garden. Stepping back onto the sprawling estate, a wave of nostalgia washed over us. We fondly remembered the guidance of Mr. DB Gurung, a pioneering tea maker who dedicated 35 years to Castleton. Sadly, Mr. Gurung is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in the exceptional teas he helped create. May his memory be a blessing.

This visit, in 2024, was marked by the warm hospitality of Mr. Sinha, the current manager of Castleton. He graciously arranged a delightful tasting session featuring a selection of Castleton’s finest offerings. The spread included a range of Moonlights, the estate’s signature Muscatels, classic FTGFOP1 Chinary teas, and exquisite tippy clonals.

With so many Castleton Moonlights available, WHAT MAKES OURS SPECIAL?
As dedicated connoisseurs of exclusive varieties, we opted to focus on the Moonlights and Muscatels, forgoing the Chinary and tippy clonals on this occasion. The Moonlights, numbering a total of 12 invoices to choose from, presented a fascinating exploration. Ultimately, DJ-218 emerged as the clear standout. This exceptional tea showcased an exotic character, attributed to the use of pure AV2 clonal tea leaves. While some Moonlights suffered from being picked too late and lacked flavors (were flat). Some were picked up too early (resulting in a mixed-flush characteristics which is not desirable – this is called “banji” tea). DJ-218 stood out for its consistent excellence and in simple words, it was made with the tea leaves plucked during peak quality time. When buying Darjeelings, time is of great essence – same “name” (as in this case “Moonlight”) tea can be got at a cheaper value or very expensive depending on what time the tea got produced. All of our teas were manufactured during peak quality time from early May – mid June. Teas manufactured in July usually gets the flat watery taste simply because it’s got too much rain in it’s roots. This is simple logic because Darjeeling gets too much rain and is the rainiest in July. Yes, you are welcome to try others and try ours and know the difference for yourselves.

This visit to Castleton reaffirmed the estate’s reputation as a producer of world-class teas. The combination of Mr. Sinha’s hospitality, the expertise of the tea makers, and the inherent quality of the leaves itself, all come together to create an unforgettable tea experience. We look forward to returning soon for another exploration of Castleton’s exquisite offerings.

Castleton Moonlight Premier, DJ-218, Second Flush 2024

Steeped in history and boasting a unique character, the Castleton Moonlight Second Flush 2024 presents a visual feast. The loose leaves unfurl in a captivating display of elongated shapes, some a complex mix of brown and tipped with silvery hairs, others long and whole. This year’s harvest reveals a touch less of the coveted buds, a testament to the impact of current events. However, larger airy size of the tea leaves, it makes up for in volume. The leaves are surprisingly light despite their size, a characteristic that allows only a mere 5 kilograms to fill an actual standard 20 kilogram wooden tea chest. The true magic lies in the aroma, a delightful sweetness intertwined with complex fruity notes, hints of caramel, and a nutty undertone reminiscent of almonds. This is a Darjeeling that promises a captivating journey for the senses.

Steeped in hot water, the Castleton Moonlight Premier undergoes a transformation. The initially compact tea leaves unfurl dramatically, revealing their true size and shape, much like a book opening its pages. This 2024 Darjeeling Second Flush boasts chunky, silvery and golden tips that add a touch of elegance to the vibrant coppery infusion. The aroma is a delightful balance of sweetness and a subtle maltiness, hinting at the complex flavors to come. Unlike others, the fruitiness here takes center stage, offering a burst of refreshing sweetness with each sip.

The Castleton Moonlight Premier Second Flush 2024 offers a full-bodied, smooth, and sweet cup. The vibrant, yellowish liquor delivers a burst of flavor with complex layers of fruity undertones. While this tea is known to withstand multiple steeps, the ideal brewing method is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different amounts of leaves and steeping times to discover the perfect cup for your palate. After all, tea is a personal journey, and the best brewing method is the one that delights your taste buds the most.

The Castleton Moonlight Premier Second Flush Darjeeling is an exceptionally rare and coveted tea, produced in limited quantities and fiercely sought after by tea connoisseurs. Despite the challenge of acquiring it in bulk, our dedication to quality compels us to offer this exquisite beverage. Imagine a symphony of sweet fruity and hints of vanilla dancing on your palate, culminating in a refreshingly crisp finish – that’s the magic of the Castleton Moonlight, a sip of luxury awaiting the discerning tea lover.