Organic Nilgiri Korakundah OP ~ By the Pound

I sometimes forget i have such a diverse and well-curated selection of teas available right here in Ann Arbor in the form of By the Pound.  By the Pound helped me to get my feet wet with a great many rare teas, and although it’s not exactly the way i would sell tea, i love that i can get any quantity of even the most expensive Yunnan Royal Gold (my favorite from the shop). I really don’t know what i would do if By the Pound went away, but i imagine it would involve tears and falling to my knees.

As an OP, Organic Nilgiri Korakundah is ridiculously cheap: I paid $12.99/lb, I’ve seen it as low as $8+shipping . I could probably afford a few kilos if i was utterly smitten, but for the sake of reviewing i try not to take more than i can drink with three~ish steeps. “Orange Pekoe” (OP) is the cheapest full leaf orthodox you can get in most cases. Many single Estates, especially in Darjeeling, rarely bother with producing an OP–it’s generally not all that valuable when world markets are focused on either FTGFOP or better, or CTC. Then again, many farms without ideal growing conditions are only ever able to produce OP. OP and BOP do tend to produce a decent, drinkable tea… but it won’t grab the connoisseur’s attention.

Organic Nilgiri Korakundah OP has a really great liquor color tone. In aroma, it smells a bit like Irish Breakfast, but not as malty. In flavor, Organic Nilgiri Korakundah OP is surprisingly flavorful: a harsh and bitter Indian Black with a hint of tangerine. In texture, OP is almost overwhelming. The full mouthfeel of Organic Nilgiri Korakundah OP is so gritty, it’s almost to the level of a barkey Pu-erh or stiff Lapsang Souchong (though admittedly a souchong is very similar in form and refinement to an OP). I wouldn’t say i actively dislike Organic Nilgiri Korakundah OP, rather, it makes wish i could try their best SFTGFOP1 for comparison.

1. Aroma – 92
2. Taste – 93
3. Texture – 93
4. Spunk – 91
5. Price – 86
6. Availability – 97
7. Appearance – 92

Mean score – 92%

It does seem to be available at least one place online this season if you can’t make it out to By the Pound. Though honestly, i’d say you should save your money.