Autumnal Flush Darjeeling

With the return of cold weather, once again I'm ready for tea. This one presents a hint of smoke that reminds me of Lapsang Souchong (the tea of Sherlock Holmes), but lacks its invigorating complexity. Just as winter cooking has the advantage of comfort but the disadvantage of a certain monotony in its flavors, there isn't much more to learn from this tea after taking the first sip. I don't know if this is attributable to the particular selection, the way I brew it or the characteristics of the Himalayan foothills in autumn. It is a good way to obtain a kick to the senses after coming in from the cold, but not the best accompaniment to intellectual conversation.

Comments

[Ken]

You wrote, "Lapsang Souchong (the tea of Sherlock Holmes)..."

Lapsang Souchong, which I do enjoy, was also the tea favored by the Lewis and Clark expedition and by French fur traders in the U.S. mountain west (according to James Michener in _Centennial_).