Taste Profile: Distinctly Muscatel, sweet, fruity and deliciously fragrant.
Description
Dry Tea Leaf:
Appearance: The dry leaves of the Castleton Muscatel Darjeeling Second Flush 2026 are well-rolled and display a rich brownish hue, typical of a finely oxidized second flush tea. They appear fresh and crisp to the touch, suggesting careful drying and excellent preservation. While the bloom is present, it consists of only scant golden hairs, indicating a slightly more mature pluck while still maintaining quality. The overall appearance reflects a refined tea that promises a layered, muscatel-rich cup with a smooth, aromatic profile.
Fragrance: The dry leaves of the Castleton Muscatel Darjeeling Second Flush 2026 are well-rolled and brownish, with a fresh, crisp texture and a light scattering of golden hairs. The visual presentation is elegant, reflecting careful plucking and expert processing. The fragrance is distinctly muscatel, marked by a rich, sweet aroma that combines floral and fruity notes—suggestive of ripe grapes, honeyed stone fruits, and a delicate bouquet of summer flowers. This aromatic profile hints at the complex, refined character expected in the cup from one of Darjeeling’s most esteemed estates.
Liquor:
Appearance: The liquor is clear, bold, and carries a rich orangy hue, reflecting both the quality of the leaf and the depth of oxidation typical of a fine second flush. It promises a full-bodied cup with layered muscatel character, briskness, and a lingering, elegant finish.
Fragrance: The fragrance of the liquor is intensely muscatel—rich, sweet, and highly intoxicating. It mirrors the aroma of the dry leaves, with pronounced fruity and floral notes that evoke ripe grapes, honey, and summer blossoms. Deep and aromatic, it is full of promise, hinting at the complexity and elegance that defines a classic Castleton second flush.
Flavor: The flavor is bold and full-bodied, offering a deeply satisfying and layered tasting experience. From the first sip, it reveals a rich and complex character, marked by a natural sweetness and smooth, textured mouthfeel.
At its core are the unmistakable muscatel notes—sweet, slightly tangy, and resonant with depth. These are beautifully balanced by tropical sweetness and a soft underlying briskness that adds clarity and structure without any harshness. As the cup develops, floral undertones emerge, light and refined, adding brightness and a touch of elegance to the profile.
The tea is rounded and smooth, with a gentle astringency that enhances the overall balance. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a sweet, aromatic aftertaste that gently echoes the richness of the liquor.
It is a must-have for any muscatel lover, capturing the very essence of Darjeeling’s celebrated second flush with finesse and distinction.
No. of Infusions suggested: 2
About the garden
Castleton is the place where the best Muscatels are grown. This garden is located in South Valley of Kurseong, which has china bushes and is famed for the best Muscatels teas the world has known. This garden was formerly known as Kumseri. Elevation of this garden is from 100 meters to 2300 meters.
