Margaret’s Hope Darjeeling

Description

Margaret’s Hope Darjeeling

A Touching History

Margaret’s Hope tea garden has a poignant story dating back to the 1930s. It was owned by Mr. Bagdon, who lived in London but regularly visited his estate. His younger daughter, Margaret, fell in love with the garden, dreaming of returning one day. Tragically, she fell ill during her return voyage to England and passed away shortly after. In her memory, her father renamed the garden Margaret’s Hope. Legend has it that her spirit visits the estate bungalow, moving through the main guestroom and out to the tennis courts.

Unique Characteristics

The tea bushes at Margaret’s Hope are predominantly of the Chinese Jat variety, which contributes to the green, tippy appearance of the leaves and their superb fragrance. Due to the high altitude and cooler climate, the bushes grow slowly, resulting in limited production but exceptional quality.

Flavour Profiles

The best time to enjoy Margaret’s Hope tea is during the “second flush,” which runs from late May to the end of June. During this period, Darjeeling teas are incomparable. Some describe the flavor as nutty, while others liken it to black currants. Most commonly, it evokes the taste and fragrance of muscat grapes.

Harvest Seasons

There are three main harvest seasons for high-quality Darjeeling:

• 1st Flush: Harvested from late February to mid-April, these teas are light and intense, with a muscatel note, making them a gentle afternoon option.
• 2nd Flush: Harvested in June, these teas are fully developed. The liquor is bright, and the taste is full and round, featuring excellent muscatel notes. This superb afternoon tea pairs wonderfully with scones and raspberry conserve.
• Autumnal: These teas, when available, offer a round taste and coppery liquor, making them excellent as a breakfast tea.

Experience the delicate yet pleasantly astringent cup of Margaret’s Hope Darjeeling. Each sip invites you to savor its rich history and unique flavour profile, making it a delightful addition to your tea collection. Enjoy the essence of this extraordinary garden!