Another top-notch Darjeeling first flush from Happy Earth Tea. This is the second tea I've tried from Sungma estate; the other was a second flush that I liked very much.

Dry leaf is very green and has an aroma of fruit and flowers, with strong nutty tones.

The brewed cup smells initially of muscat grape and caramel, and suggests a very smooth, warming cup, but upon drinking it is is dominated by very pleasant, fresh, light, herbaceous qualities. I do see the fruitiness as a little more berry-like than typical for Darjeelings.

Brewed 3 minutes, and it was very good. I think this tea is more sweet than dry or brisk, there's only a hint of a "dry briskness" as in the description.

Compared to the other first flush teas from Happy Earth Teas, a little harder to make multiple infusions with. With a 3-minute first infusion, steeping a second cup for 5 minutes, the second cup was blander than I'd like. I settled on brewing the first cup for 2 minutes and, while the cup was lighter, it was still enjoyable and it made the second cup richer.

As with the other first flush teas from Happy Earth Tea, this tea is not cheap, but it's quite reasonable for a tea of this high a grade, and I think it's worth every penny.

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