TEA REVIEW: Baraka Teas – Sikkim Black (2014 Autumnal Flush)

Tea and origin: FTGFOP Autumnal flush black tea from Temi Tea Garden, Sikkim, India
Harvest: October 2014
Twitter: @BarakaTeas
Facebook: Baraka Teas
Link to Sikkim Black

I have tasted so few Sikkim teas that I’m walking into this review a bit blind. From what I remember of the last one I tried years ago, they are a bit like a Darjeeling. The aroma of the dry leaf is very characteristic of a Darjeeling, so I’m looking forward to this review.

Baraka Teas sourced this tea from the Temi Tea Garden, a garden located in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. The tea is grown at an altitude between 3,500 and 6,000 feet.

Tasting notes

Dry leaf: Medium-sized leaves that have golden and silver tips scattered throughout. It                       has a crisp, citrus-like aroma

Wet leaf: Muscatel and tree fruits

Liquor colour: Golden to light brown, depending on infusion time

Liquor aroma: Muscatel

Liquor flavour: Muscatel, tree fruits and woody flavours. It has a sweet, smooth                                               medium body and a mild to moderate astringency. The finish is                                               slightly dry, but the tea has a clean mouthfeel

Infusion method: A glass teapot                                                                                                                                         3 to 5 grams of tea                                                                                                                                 200ml of 90C water                                                                                                                               Infuse 1 to 2 minutes with teapot                                                                                                       3 infusions

Comments/Conclusions

I am a big fan of Darjeeling teas, so I have to say that this tea was spot on for me. Compared to a many other Darjeeling, this Sikkim seemed sweeter and less dry, but it doesn’t have the strong muscatel flavours and body that you can find in some Darjeelings. Infusing it for a longer time with slightly higher water temperatures does pull out some muscatel and earthy notes that are not as apparent in short infusions, but you will find the astringency and dry aftertaste stronger. Personally, I like a short, cooler infusion. It is an ideal afternoon or post-dinner tea.

Retail price: 50 gram pouch for £10