Margaret’s Hope Muscatel – Second Flush – 2024 (SFTGFOP-1 Musk)

Description

Margaret’s Hope Muscatel comes from the prestigious and beautiful Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate, a garden of the Goodricke Group. Margaret’s Hope is one of the largest tea-producing estates in Darjeeling. The estate is actually a combination of four different tea estates: Dilaram, Edenvale, Maharani Hills, and Margaret’s Hope. Each division contributes its own unique character and flavour, making this garden truly special. The estate is also renowned for its abundant flora and fauna, with a significant portion covered by lush green forests.

This particular batch of Muscatel is one of the finest produced by the estate this season. The dry leaves are well-sorted and evenly sized, displaying shades of bright brownish copper with a sweet, complex aroma. As soon as the packet is opened, the sweet musky fragrance awakens the taste buds, accompanied by tempting woody and roasted nut aromas.

When brewed for a full 5 minutes, the tea yields a bright, sparkling golden-red liquor. The strong aroma of musk and roasted nuts fills the nostrils, with a faint floral jasmine-like scent towards the end. The sip offers a mouthful of flavours, with a strong nutty-woody taste followed by a musky note. As the liquid rolls on the palate, floral notes blend with the musky taste, ending with an astringent palate and a strong musky aftertaste. The flavour becomes sweeter as the tea cools.

The infusion has a sweet musky aroma and displays shades of brownish copper with traces of coppery green. It has an earthy aroma that blends well with the musk. This tea is good for two brews. Overall, this is an ideal tea for Muscatel lovers who enjoy a strong-tasting tea.

• DRY LEAVES: Fine sorted coppery brown leaves with a sweet, nutty musky aroma.
• LIQUOR: Bright golden red liquid with a flavourful musky and roasted nuts aroma.
• INFUSION: Bright coppery green leaves with a musky aroma.

STEEPING INSTRUCTIONS:

Use fresh water brought to a first boil (95°C). Add 1 teaspoon (2 grams) per 150ml cup. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain into a cup and sip as it cools.