Vahdam's black tea sampler

10 different teas for reviews! First, lets start off with the Premium First Flush Darjeeling from Vahdam, expectations are high with this one.

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I found the tea to be an intriguing and complex encounter. Despite not completely wowing me, it undeniably reflects good quality.

Appearance and brew:
The dry leaves are long and elegant, carrying the characteristic look of high-quality Darjeeling. Once brewed, the tea produces a beautifully clear, light golden liquor that is visually appealing. I quite liked the colour and clarity.

Taste Profile:
The initial sip offers a delicate and subtle flavour, but it quickly gives way to a complex aftertaste that lingers on the tongue. There's a pronounced bitterness to it but there is also a distinct, almost ginger-like note that further enhances its uniqueness. As I continued drinking, I began to notice a subtle sweetness intertwined with the bitterness, giving the tea more depth than I initially expected. With each infusion, the complexity became more apparent, the second infusion retained the full flavour, while the third still carried that ginger-like note.

Aroma:
The aroma is mild, with faint vegetal hints, after brewed it's more ginger-like.

Overall Impressions:
This tea stands out for its complexity. While I wasn't entirely wowed by it, I have come to appreciate the evolving layers of bitterness, sweetness, and ginger-like notes that make it a unique experience. It is undeniably good quality, with leaves that are capable of three satisfying infusions. I would recommend it to those who enjoy exploring complex tea profiles, but if you're after the classic Darjeeling experience with strong floral or muscatel notes (also a part of the sampler), this might fall slightly short.