Castleton Muscatel (DJ 214) Darjeeling Tea 2024 Second Flush – Fruit Magic

About Castleton Muscatel Tea

Darjeeling tea has long been known for its muscatel flavor, a unique characteristic celebrated throughout history. However, Darjeeling is constantly evolving to meet changing tastes and demands. Castleton Tea Estate continues the legacy of producing exceptional muscatel teas, using the prized China variety.

Renowned for its exclusivity, Darjeeling Castleton Muscatel black tea is a summer seasonal offering from this esteemed estate. Crafted from pure China tea leaves, each batch undergoes meticulous processing by highly skilled artisans. This meticulous approach is a hallmark of Goodricke’s Castleton Muscatel teas. Their latest creation promises an explosion of muscatel and fruity flavors. We invite you to experience it for yourself!

During this year’s Darjeeling Second Flush, we meticulously evaluated numerous invoices of the renowned Castleton Muscatel Darjeeling. Ultimately, invoice DJ-214 stood out as the superior choice, and we secured it for our collection.

It’s important to note that while Castleton produces a wide variety of teas, exceptional offerings like their muscatel are exclusive. These special teas are meticulously crafted from leaves grown in select sections of the estate and processed using specific machinery. This particular Castleton Muscatel tea originates from the “Allay” section (a special area of the tea garden), renowned for producing the finest muscatel teas on the estate.

BE CAUTIOUS! While Castleton is famous for its muscatel teas, they also produce standard Chinary FTGFOP1 (CH) teas. These teas, visually similar to the muscatel varieties, won’t have “muscatel” mentioned on the packaging and will always be offered at a lower price point.

It’s important to remember that these standard FTGFOP1 chinary teas, while not a bad quality, lack the distinctive muscatel flavor. Unfortunately, some vendors might mislabel plain FTGFOP1 chinary teas as “muscatel” to inflate their value.

While you may find these inauthentic options at a significantly lower price, genuine muscatel teas from Castleton are limited in production and command a premium due to their exceptional quality. It is unfair to compare to level stand FTGFOP1 chinary teas to the real muscatels.

The authentic Castleton Muscatel Tea

To guarantee you’re getting the true taste of Castleton Muscatel, we’ve included a photo of the actual tea sack we received straight from the Castleton tea gardens. Look closely – the “Muscatel” label is right there on the sack, a telltale sign of the genuine article.

This Darjeeling Castleton Muscatel, a classic representative of the 2024 Second Flush, boasts a deep brownish-black appearance overall. The chinary variety leaves are immediately recognizable – smaller in stature compared to other Darjeeling clonal blacks yet boasting a clean and even visual appeal. This speaks volumes about the meticulous sorting process, ensuring only the finest leaves make the final cut. Look closer, and you’ll find the leaves are well-rolled and twisted, a testament to the expert craftsmanship. A delightful surprise awaits in the form of a fair amount of silver tips, adding a touch of elegance to the mix. But the real magic lies in the aroma of the dry tea leaves. Hints of sweet muscatel grapes intertwine with a nutty character reminiscent of almonds, creating a deeply enticing fragrance that promises an explosion of flavor in the cup.

Steeped to perfection, this Castleton Darjeeling Muscatel yields a captivating coppery infusion. The liquor boasts a rich, dark chocolate hue with subtle hints of brown, hinting at its strength and depth. Unlike some teas, the freshness of the leaves is immediately apparent, offering a reliable indicator of quality and flavor potential. This bright infusion unfolds with a mesmerizing muscatel aroma, interwoven with a tapestry of delightful fruity notes. Remarkably, a touch of sweetness and a subtle hint of mint peek through, adding further complexity to the muscatel’s dominant presence. This layered aroma is a testament to the expertise behind this exceptional Darjeeling.

Savoring this Castleton Second Flush black tea is a full-bodied experience. The rich, mellow liquor coats the palate with a satisfying weight, a testament to the strength and depth of the summer harvest. The color itself leans towards a vibrant red, hinting at the power within the cup. Each sip unfolds a symphony of flavors, beginning with the well-matured tea’s signature muscatel character. This is followed by a lively, brisk character brimming with fruity notes, all delicately balanced by a touch of floral elegance. The sweetness that lingers on the tongue is further complemented by subtle hints of malt, adding another layer of complexity. And to complete this delightful experience, the fruity notes return, this time reminiscent of ripe grapes. This well-rounded cup offers a satisfying experience any time of day.

Darjeeling muscatel devotees, rejoice! This year’s Castleton Muscatel Darjeeling promises to be a true delight. It strikes a perfect balance, showcasing the classic muscatel character Darjeeling is famous for in its purest form. This flawless cup embodies the essence of a masterful Darjeeling muscatel. Whether you’re a seasoned muscatel enthusiast or a tea explorer venturing into this captivating world, this exceptional offering is a must-try. It’s a testament to the unique character of Darjeeling, offering a flavor journey that’s undeniably fruity from start to finish. Don’t miss out on this exquisite variation – it’s an experience worth savoring.