Darjeeling First Flush Tumsong EX1

Origin: Tumsong Garden, Darjeeling, India
Cultivar: Ambari Vegetative 2 and China variety
Elevation: 1500m
Harvest: March 22, 2020

Set high in the Himalayas, Darjeeling is cherished by connoisseurs for yielding teas of extraordinary aromatic depth. Many of the gardens from which we source our teas were founded in the 19th century. While cultivar selection is a factor, the real complexity of Darjeeling teas is to be explored in the diversity of terrain in the gardens. The weather created by this expansive mountain range creates varying microclimates. The range in elevation, the pitch of the slope and the amount of sun exposure leads to distinctive differences in character. Each garden has a signature aroma profile. The eagerly anticipated First Flush harvest in March-April produces teas with a brilliant golden infusion that captures the essence of spring. This lot from the Tumsong garden is extraordinarily floral with notes of iris, orchids, and lily with an elegant tannin structure ending with a classic tuberose note. The iris and orchid is reminiscent of Zhi Lan Xiang found in premium Dancong.