March 14, 2008

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  Teas of Assam & Darjeeling…..

   

   

  The influx of people from different tribes and races of India has made Assam home to the most colorful of festivals. The festivals of Assam are fascinating, reflecting the tradition and lifestyle of the people. Fairs are generally associated with religious functions in temples. The foremost festivals and fairs celebrated in Assam are Bihu, Baishagu, Ali-Ai-Ligang, Baikho, Rongker, Rajini Gabra, Harni Gabra, Bohaggiyo Bishu, Ambubachi Mela and Jonbill Mela and many more.

  
  

  

  An traditional Assam dance (Borodance).

   

   

  The Assam tea that I tasted today is a blend of Sewpur and Khongea.

  The dry leaf looks fairly broken and the appearance is a little dark. It smells quite a bit like flowers in the spring time.

   

   

  

  Blend of Sewpur and Khongea (Assam Tea)

   

   

  After the infusion of the leaves for about 35 seconds, the brewed liquor had a dark red appearance. I couldn’t really detect any aroma of this tea though my sister says she detected some rosy aroma. The taste of the liquor is slightly bitter but overall it seems to be quite a nice cup of tea.

  
  

   

  The brewed liquor had a dark red appearance

   

   

  This joy ride is passing through Batasia Loop – a memorial dedicated to the Gorkha soldiers. From Batasia Loop you get a view of the Darjeeling town with majestic Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. Spectacular – to say the least!

  
  

  

  Train ride passing through Batasia Loop

   

   

  The Toy Train passes along hundred’s of road crossings and the train tracks run parallel with the road for quite a long stretch.

  
  

   

   The train tracks.

   

   

  Today, I picked a Darjeeling Glenburn FTGFOP 1, Autumn Flush, to taste. The leaf has a long and attractive appearance and the smell is sweet – like honey, but not as over powering.

   

   

   

  

  Darjeeling Glenburn FTGFOP 1

   

   

  After infusing the leaves for 5 minutes the liquor that was brewed had a golden appearance. The aroma and taste of this tea are quite similar to an apple. It was a very good and refreshing cup of tea – among one of the best Darjeeling’s I have tasted recently.

   

   

   

  Liquor of Glenburn FTGFOP 1

  • 9:31 am
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