tea
reserve
Castleton Darjeeling Second Flush Muscatel
Darjeeling, India
About this product
Castleton Estate in Kurseong, Darjeeling is consistently ranked among the world's great tea estates — its second flush (May–June harvest) muscatel grade is frequently the highest-priced Darjeeling at auction, with single-garden lots exceeding €1,000/kg in exceptional years. The second flush produces the most intense muscatel character of the Darjeeling calendar: full oxidation of the leaf creates a complex profile of Muscat grapes, apricot jam, rich flowers, and a characteristic warm finish. Unlike first flush, second flush Darjeeling has enough body to take a small splash of milk, though purists prefer it straight.
The deductive profile Library
styleDarjeeling second flush (full oxidised, muscatel grade)
estateCastleton, Kurseong, Darjeeling
harvestsecond flush (May-June)
characterintense muscatel, apricot, full body — the apex of Darjeeling second flush
elevation m1700
oxidation pct80
muscatel gradeTrue
Service
milkoptional — small splash acceptable; purists prefer straight
vesselwhite porcelain cup
infusions2
brew temp c90°C
steep time min3-4
leaf to water g per ml3g per 200ml
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Pairings
complement
pastry
Castleton's apricot-muscatel character with apricot tart: the most direct stone-fruit resonance in this collection
classic
dessert
complement
casual
Castleton Second Flush Muscatel's grape character bridges the Victoria sponge; a muscatel Darjeeling for the classic English tea
classic
casual
complement
pastry
The warm richness of honey-almond cake is complemented by the full body of second flush muscatel; both peak in warmth
established
dessert
complement
chocolate
The apricot note in Castleton muscatel beside milk chocolate with actual apricot; ingredient-echo pairing
established
dessert
complement
dessert
Castleton Muscatel's intense grape-musk aroma directly mirrors the passion fruit's tropical perfume
established
pre_dessert
complement
baked
The Darjeeling Muscatel amplifies bergamot's aromatic intensity; both are aromatic black teas in different form
established
dessert
complement
food
Castleton Muscatel's grape and rose character bridges the Turkish delight and almond macaroon; a second flush luxury
established
digestif
complement
cheese
Second flush muscatel has enough structure for aged cheese; the apricot note meets the caramel of aged gouda
adventurous
cheese