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Darjeeling

Company: Ineeka
 
Review: I approach Darjeeling with the usual concept of, "Oh boy, it's another Darjeeling." It's a good tea, but it's rarely one that is unique from others, like there is one field of Darjeeling tea that all the blenders get. Ineeka has one that is different however. Yes, it starts out as what may seem like a regular Darjeeling that doesn't have anything new going on, but as you sip it longer, you find a great many subtleties to it. One big part of it that's interesting is that it doesn't get that astringency that so many Darjeelings get.
Overall, I'd have to say that it's the finish that is the most remarkable. It's got this really cool, saltiness to it. That may not sound desirable at first, but really, it is. It's kind of like that slightly salty crush on an otherwise sweet bread if that makes any sense. Whatever the case, it gives the tea some meat that makes it great. That and the fact it's quite easy going when it comes to the steeping, being more difficult than other Darjeeling to over or under steep.
 
Pairings: Sweet fruits, but ones one with a bit of heftiness to them like dates or pears. Berries would be too sweet. Also any kind of creamy pastry would be great.
 
Rating: 9 of 10