Darjeeling de Triomphe First Flush ~ TeaVana

I was a bit hesitant to include a TeaVana entry into this week’s theme, given its tendency to vary widely from other tea manufacturing/storage in the industry. In this case, the sentiment is kind of an understatement. Darjeeling de Triomphe is made from 6 of TeaVana’s “private reserve gardens” in Darjeeling (whether that’s a random one or a mix of all 6 i couldn’t tell you, but I’m leaning toward the former since the loose leaf is orthodox). Thus, unlike the other reviews this week, I can’t even really point to where those gardens are on a map. But hey, they really do have private reserve gardens in Darjeeling, so that feels like justification enough for me.

One thing we do know about Darjeeling de Triomphe is that it’s a First Flush. de Triomphe isn’t listed as FTGFOP necessarily (since TeaVana has no reason to–their clientele would just be confused by the acronym ^^;;), but all signs point to that being the case. A yellow-tinged liquor tone puts one in the mood for autumn colors. With an overall weaker aroma than its cousins, de Triomphe First Flush has a greeny, mellower note. Oddly, however, where de Triomphe First Flush lacks in aroma, it makes up for in taste. A thirst-quenching/lip-smacking Tippy mango? gives way to a faint smokiness. In texture, de Triomphe is a medium grit at best, with a subtle tingle. I’m… well, impressed would pushing it. For once, TeaVana let Darjeeling growers do what they do best and left well-enough alone (although that “grab-bag Darjeeling” thing still confounds me).

1. Aroma – 90
2. Taste – 94
3. Texture – 91
4. Spunk – 93
5. Price – 94
6. Availability – 91
7. Appearance – 92

Mean score – 92%