Metropolitan Tea Company - Castleton (TGFOP) Estate Tea
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Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup
· - 1 heaping teaspoon loose tea or 1 tea bag
· - 1 cup 7-9oz. (200-250ml.) heated water
· - 185-212°F (85-100ºC) water temp.
· - 3-5 minute steeping time
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About this Tea:
2nd flush Darjeelings are typified as being more complex and fuller in the cup than the 1st Flush varieties, which tend to be a little greener and lighter. Darjeelings are considered among the rarest and most prestigious of the black teas. The best grades are the whole leaf types with lots of 'tip'. This tea is the grade F.T.G.F.O.P. (finest tippy golden flowery orange pekoe) and is in the upper 10 percentile of Castleton's quality.
The estate is near the town of Kurseong in the Darjeeling district of northern India. Castleton is one of the top estates in Darjeeling and consistently produces top teas - and not surprisingly obtains the top prices. The major method of transportation to Darjeeling is road (very treacherous) and a narrow gauge railway. In world terms the railway is almost considered a toy railroad system. The narrow gauge does not support large engines or carriages; also the steep inclines necessitate a cog system to prevent to trains from rolling backwards. Despite all the difficulties that must be contended with, the area produces the 'Champagne of Tea'.
Produced in the Himalayas, Darjeelings are grown in the shadow of Kangchenjunga, the snowcapped mountain said to be home of the Hindu God "Shiva" -the Destroyer. Darjeeling means land of the Thunderbolt and it is in fact the weather, combined with the attitude, soil and bright sunlight that result in an incomparable beverage.
