Darjeeling Castleton Vintage Premium FTGFOP1 (CH) First Flush 2023

About Castleton Tea Estate Darjeeling

Throughout the year, the Castleton Tea Estate in Darjeeling produces high-quality Castleton Tea First Flush Darjeeling. We generally buy their top grade, Moonlight, but this Castleton Tea, 2023 First Flush, their traditional version, blew us away. It was their “FTGFOP1 (CH) Classic” variant. Castleton Tea Estate had almost stopped producing this particular “china Classic” due to the overwhelming popularity of Castleton Moonlight and other clonal varieties. Castleton “FGFOP1 (CH) Classic” tea was one of our favorites until Castleton discontinued producing it 7 years ago. They concentrated on the well-known Moonlight. We were fortunate last year to obtain some special variation, and we were fortunate again this year. We asked them to make it for us this year, and they obliged. It’s an excellent tea that we’d been missing for a long time.

This classic Darjeeling tea from Castleton Tea Garden, has a lovely bloom, is medium in leaf size compared to other Castleton classic teas, and has a sophisticated appearance. It’s tightly curled and twisted. It has a greenish colour that is reminiscent of the original Darjeeling First Flush before any of the fancy experiments were done with the coming of the more versatile clonal varieties. Aside from its overall greenish appearance, it features a flawless natural blend of a complex set of colours – various degrees of green, brown, grey, and white. It has a lovely lustre, with the majority of the tea leaves sporting considerable amount of furry coat made up of beautiful tiny and silky white hairs. It has a beautiful spicy flavour that complements its other aromatic features. It has a fresh and sweet aroma that is honey-toned, with a faint salinity. Slightly caramel-like, with a nutty aroma reminiscent of toasted almonds. It also has a well created complex floral nose.

Castleton Tea Estate’s (CH) Classic tea has a consistent and genuine infusion. It has a greenish color with a mixture of olive and light greens. The infusion is bright and lively and invites you to taste the cup. It is said that the infusion can predict the quality of the cup and in this case, the cup looks to be really good. The cup of this Darjeeling Tea is slightly bolder than the clonal version and obviously due to smaller sized tea leaves and being a chinary grade. This Castleton Tea Single Estate has a sweet and lovely floral aroma that is enriched with a complex mix of other floral essences. Mild veggie notes can also be detected along with subtle fruity and nutty flavors.

A beautiful golden brew that is light and bright in character, this Castleton First Flush Darjeeling has a light body that matches the cup of a classic Darjeeling First Flush. The sip you take in fills your mouth with a buttery sensation that is smooth and satisfying. The cup has a welcoming smooth character with a light and desirable astringency that affects the upper part of your mouth and slowly spreads to the middle of the tongue, creating a balanced and refreshing taste. It has an exceptional sweet honey-like quality taste that lingers on as an aftertaste, making you want more. It also has a beautiful light floral flavor that complements the honey taste, along with some nutty characteristics that add some complexity and depth to the cup.

A very delicious 2023 Castleton First Flush Darjeeling from Castleton Tea Garden for you to buy online. A top quality tea, delicate, yet complex and complete in its nature. A tea with its own renowned and unique characteristics which are found in none. Truly Royal in its nature. Limited at hand and highly recommended you try!