Second Flush Garden Darjeeling

The best of these teas are picked with the bushes in full sap during a short four week period in late June and early July. The famous "muscatel" character is truly in evidence then and the outstanding qualities have a wonderful appearance, rounded, fruity, mellow summer flavours and reddish infusion. They are highly aromatic with complex spicy notes. They are more full bodied than first flush teas but are still best enjoyed without milk and especially delicious with a lump of sugar in the Indian style. The two leaves and a bud are hand picked for the best tea which will release a flavour bursting with the summer sun and refreshing warm summer rains. This flavour is variously described as being reminiscent of muscatel grapes and with a fragrance like a rose garden in bloom or the sweet scent of peach skin. The real 'muscatel' character whilst hinted at in most second flush teas is truly overwhelming in some. The leaves are succulent with an almost purplish bloom and whitish buds. When infused the leaves have a lovely burnished copper hue. This flush produces some of the most remarkable teas in the world and I would recommend trying, at least once, one of our sample packs of the top of the range teas on offer.