Infused tea/ Unique characteristics : The leaves infuse a delicate golden honey-amber color liquor. Aroma is floral bouquet, with rich vegetal, slightly spicy muskiness. On the palate, the infusion has walk-into-an-orchard kind of a contemporary feeling. It starts with a sweet gentle floral take off, very smooth texture, subtle earthy and mineral undertones on the mid-tongue, buttery mouthfeel, mild dry-aftertaste and zero astringency. The body of the tea has an engaging thickness, that pairs very well with its soft tannins. 

Infusion : 1 level tsp of leaves were infused in 200 ml pre-boiled water at 90C, for 3 minutes. Being inquisitive about the hidden tasting notes, I chose to make my infusion gutty, something suggested for soft clonals. For the second infusion, I brewed 2 tsp of leaves for 4 mins at the same water temperature, and it was exciting. The tea got a facelift. Mild oaky-woodiness and malty spike, with jasmine-lily like floral overtones, together with a bit of mouth-puckering astringency and an inherent underlying strength of flavor, complemented the earthy flavors and berry-like sweet undertone – is the zing that the first infusion was missing.

Sampling this tea was an adventure and this is the kind of tea that I would generally pack if I am travelling up-hills, just to show my respect for Newton’s first law and challenge this tea further – see how it’s flavor-profile would change when it’s brewed in high-mountain mineral water. Overall, this AV2 (Ambari Vegetative) is fine, it combines simple, subtle and mellow flavors. Although it is not one of the best pitch-pipe for clonals, I believe it will be instantly liked by tea lovers who have a special interest for instrumental music for sleep, focus, work and relaxation.

Tea details: Singell Spring Blossom, AV2 Black tea, first flush 2019. Website: darjeelingtealeaves.com The tea was provided by the company for review and sampling.