Customer Reviews

Twinings Black Tea Darjeeling Loose Tea Tin / 100g / 3.5oz.

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Unquestionably the most refined of teas, Darjeeling comes from a region in the Indian (West Bengalese) Himalayas close to the Nepalese border, 7000 ft above sea level. Originating with the small-time, private, mid-19th century plantations of a British civil surgeon named Dr. Campbell, tea has long since transformed the region into a major economic center, with over 80 running gardens producing over 10 million kgs (over 22 million lbs) of tea on a total area of almost 20,000 hectares (approximately 75 square miles), and employing over 50,000 people on a permanent basis, with a further 15,000 being hired during the plucking season (March - November). The area's natural climate with its mixture of rainfall, sunshine and rich soil makes for a very distinctive flavor, and to be called "Darjeeling," tea *must* have been grown *and* processed in that particular region.

Darjeeling tea comes in several harvest varieties or "flushes": the lighter Easter harvest or first flush, and the stronger Spring harvest or second flush, which has an unmistakeably fruity, Muscatel-like note. (There is also a Summer harvest or third flush, which is even stronger than the tea from the second harvest, but it is somewhat less refined and therefore less popular than the first two varieties.) Twinings' variety is a second flush tea with a subtle, quintessentially Darjeeling perfume; a great introduction to this region's exquisite teas that will hopefully make you curious for more.

Twinings was founded in London, England in 1706, and has a long and respected tradition of producing only the finest of teas. The history of Darjeeling tea goes back to the 1840s, when Dr. Campbell, a civil engineer, planted tea seeds in his garden at Beechwood, Darjeeling. The result was a nice light tea with excellent color and aroma. Darjeeling tea gained a considerable following, and is now highly prized as the "champagne of teas!"

OK, let's get down to brass tacks - this is an excellent tea, produced by a great company, and a tea I will NEVER be without. The tea has an excellent aroma and flavor and is harder to over-steep than some other teas that I have known. Also, something of a surprise is the fact that this tea tastes at least as good iced as it does hot! As such, year round you will find me making Twinings' Darjeeling tea.

So, here's the bottom line: if you want a tea that is excellent hot AND cold, then Darjeeling is for you. If you want tea from a great tea producer, then Twinings is for you. If you want the best tea in the world, then buy Twinings' Darjeeling tea!

One of my favorite stores has carried Twinings Darjeeling Tea in loose leaf form for years. Suddenly it has disappeared from all stores. The product is great. Tea bags are every where, but loose leaf is difficult to find. The only problem with the tea from Amazon is that the shipping charges are about the same price as the tea. I am still looking for an affordable version of the tea.

Twinings is known for delivering consistency and value. This tea is no exception.

Most of the Twinings Darjeeling blend is black, but you can spot some green particles. The Twinings loose tea has no uncut leaves. The blend uses smaller, less-expensive particles which infuse more quickly than whole leaves.

The Twinings tea has enough tannins to tolerate milk or a sweetener. It has some harshness when infusing is done at too high a temperature or for too long.

If you drink tea without additions, I suggest steeping not more than 2.5 to 3 minutes to control bitterness. You may even want to check every 15 seconds starting at two minutes, since Darjeeling can quickly 'bolt' to a point of unpleasant sharpness. To avoid particulate matter in your drink, use a strainer or infuser with a fine mesh. (Amazon sells Tovolo, Teeli, and Frieling/Swissgold filters with very small openings in their screens.)

To gain the best flavor, I recommend brewing at a temperature of 185F or cooler. (A clean candy or meat thermometer can quickly guide your efforts.) If you have been brewing with water that is near boiling, you will be shocked by the huge transformation from using water that cools a couple minutes after reaching the boiling point.

I have enjoyed quality Darjeeling, the 'champagne of teas,' for over three decades. And, how do I rate Twinings? A bargain. If your enjoy Twinings, I suggest trying some other Darjeeling teas, perhaps estate grown. The better Darjeeling teas come from the higher elevations where the cooler mountain environment slows leaf growth and develops a fine flavor. Where should you search? Check reviews at Amazon and other sellers. Among the packaged brands, I love Peets - normally known for their coffees.

Twinings is a bargain and a fine introduction to the wide range of Darjeeling teas. Three and one half stars. Not excellent, but a darn good starting point.

Twining has a distinguished line of fine teas. This Darjeeling is one of Twining's best. Darjeeling is a fragrant tea variety with a refreshing but not overpowering tea flavor. Twining's version has no off tastes or after tastes -- just good old fashioned Darjeeling. It brews well a cup at a time, but is also fine in a pot. It brews well over a fairly wide range of steeping times also.

You can buy this tea either in bags or in bulk loose tea. I strongly recommend the latter, as loose tea gives you so much more flexibility in amount and strength of your brewing. However, I can attest that I find absolutely no off flavors from the bags. So if you are on the go, by all means, carry a few bags with you in a plastic bag or other sealed pouch.

You can pay more for a good Darjeeling, but you will be hard pressed to find a better Darjeeling at a lower price than this Twining.

The tea is fine and delivery time was very good; however, I chafed at the S&H, and will search further in my home town to find loose tea sold retail. Loose tea is so much better tasting (and smelling) than any tea bag tea.

Tea is very good. Just have to work with it to get the taste you want. Will order when I need too.

I buy this for my husband for xmas every year. It was fresh, tasted good. I ordered it just a day or 2 prior to xmas and it got here on the 24th. Fabulous company.