Castleton Moonlight Imperial Tea, The Regal Brew fit for Kings 2022

Castleton Moonlight Imperial

Whats so Great about this Tea?

An extremely limited edition high quality Tea from Castleton Tea Garden. This particular batch of Castleton Moonlight Imperial Tea was limited to 10 kgs. In fact one of the top batch of Castleton Moonlight tea we have tasted through years of its production. It is not a mix of several clonals, but made from only one clonal variety, AV2. It clamors of the highest quality Castleton could produce this 2022 Darjeeling First Flush.

Castleton Tea Garden is owned by the Goodricke Group Limited which also owns several other tea gardens in Darjeeling namely Badamtam, Thurbo, Margaret’s Hope and Barnesbeg. Every season they have an in-house tea tasting session of the best teas got from individual tea garden. During this First Flush 2022 in-house tea tasting of Goodricke (some kind of a friendly in-house tea competition), Castleton Moonlight Imperial (yes, this tea) got the best vote among other Goodricke tea gardens mentioned above. Castleton is the main vanguard in manufacturing Moonlight, others just follow the trend. So, it’s the best!

Castleton Moonlight Imperial is one tea known for its unique character and it doesn’t match with any other Darjeeling Tea. This Darjeeling Castleton Moonlight Imperial which most refer, is actually a cross between the white and oolong as the tea maker says. For an easier reference, they now tag it as a white tea, but the real manufacturing secret lies with the tea maker. With time and demand, they have learnt to refine their skills in order to bring out the best. This tea cannot be compared with others. Though unmatched in quality, we sell it at a very fair price. Please bear in mind that to get such a rare tea combines both perseverance and a price.

We were at Castleton and as stunned by the tea’s make, we asked the tea makers, Mr D B Gurung and the Estate Manager, Mr Gazmer as to how was it possible to get such extra-ordinary texture and flavor. As always, the secret is never revealed out in the open, but we got some hints that it was made from two special sections of the tea garden called “Dhobitar” and “Allay” where most of their high quality AV2 clonals are planted. They indicated that it was a tea made from the finest tea leaves fit to be Royal in the true sense. Hence, “Castleton Moonlight Imperial –  A Regal Brew fit for the Kings” came up and got used here with their permission.

As mentioned above, this Castleton Moonlight Imperial tea is the ultimate version of the Moonlight brand from Castleton. Castleton does not produce only one Moonlight invoice but several invoices. Frankly, all Castleton Moonlights are awesome quality having great appearance and superior taste, but among them too, quality differs from one invoice to another. Please note that the best lot always costs us more and the price of tea will be more, but once again, if you want to taste the divine, this Castleton Moonlight Imperial tea is the ultimate. We promise you that you won’t regret! Also Do check out our seasonal variation Castleton Moonlight Second Flush tea as well, which is totally different from First Flush – its simply due to change in tea season.

The dry tea leaves of this Castleton Moonlight Imperial Darjeeling Teavariety has an attractive bloom. It is larger than normal size and stylish in appearance. The leaves are elongated, exceptionally rolled and twisted. It has an overall very greenish appearance which forms an inherit First Flush character. Apart from the overall greenish appearance, it has a flawless natural blend of complex set of colors. Mainly characterized by different shades of greens and whites which are the buds. It has a beautiful luster with most of the tea leaves having a furry attire, originating from marvelous tiny and shiny white hairs. The presence of silver hairs on tea leaves depict careful manufacture and proof of high quality tea. It has high content of chunky silver tips or buds, kept intact, and got from first 2022 First Flush pluckings from lush green special clonal 100% AV2 clonal tea leaves.

This Darjeeling First Flush tea has got a marvelous spicy element alongside other aromatic properties. It has a fresh and sweet smell, honey toned, with mild white chocolate like fragrance. Slightly caramellic which runs parallel with a nutty nose like that of roasted almonds and also resembles like a freshly baked vanilla cake. It also comes with a marvelously crafted multiple layers of floral nose and fruity aroma.

Castleton Moonlight Imperial Tea has an authentic and even infusion with an overall appearance of different shades of green mixed with slight yellow and very light whitish tinge because of the tips. The infusion is bright and lively, comprising of whole leaf and a bud. Castleton Moonlight Imperial First Flush is tempting to taste from the very first look of the cup. A good infusion foretells the quality of the cup and in this case, a forecast for a good and lively cup is definite. The temptation builds up even more with its sweet and lovely flowery nose which seems decked up with a complex set of different varieties of floral essence. Slight veggie notes are found as well accompanied by mild fruity and nutty character.

This 2022 Castleton Moonlight Imperial First Flush Tea has a marvelous light and bright golden-yellow brew which denotes good and careful manufacture. Hence, a sign of high grade quality tea. It has a rich mellow liquor with an excellent brisk character. The cup appears smooth as you sip on and as you are rolling your tongue. It’s got a very mild and enjoyable astringency. The lively taste of this First Flush tea liquor comes packed with various levels of complex fruity and floral character. There is this overwhelming sweetness which fills your mouth and spreads in all directions. It also tastes somewhat nutty like roasted cashew nuts. The overwhelming sweetness which spreads as soon as you sip in, retains even after you have gulped in. It also forms the aftertaste which lingers for quite sometime.

One SUPER fine quality 2022 First Flush tea from Castleton Tea Garden, rare and extremely limited edition. If you have this tea in your cup, feel among the most fortunate lot of the tea connoisseur’s world. Simply because the whole garden could only produce 10 kgs of this special Castleton Moonlight Imperial batch/invoice and is now tagged as “A Regal Brew fit for the Kings” – Count yourself as one 🙂 Let your taste buds tingle in divine outbursts of the world’s finest flavors!

The bulk wooden Tea Chest of Castleton Moonlight Imperial – it’s Genuine! Always sell Genuine!

Water

Use plain filtered or spring water abundance in oxygen. Do not re-use already boiled water for the taste may appear flat.

Temperature

It can be from 175-185 Degree F. Since the tea leaves are larger and delicate, higher temperatures seem to cook it. If your water is too hot, let it cool down for a while.

Quantity of Tea leaves

Standard procedure says 2.5 grams per 100 ml of water, but may not be correct as it is complex due to different cultivars, leaf sizes and make. For this it is recommended you use more of the tea leaves because the tea leaves are voluminous and lighter in weight than other teas, around 2.5 grams or 2 small heaps when you pinch pick itper mug of tea.

Steeping Time

Steeping time for this tea should be a little more as it is delicate and takes time to infuse - is 4 to 6 minutes is recommended. Try steeping longer and experiment. Also try when the tea has cooled down, you will be surprised to get the sweetness in the cup enhanced and its flavors more bursting.