I'd like to second Aloke's suggestion, since, in my recent experience, some
2002 Darjeelings were spectacularly good, while 2003's did not live up to
them, and 2004's failed in every way. Of course I speak only for what I
drank, and I know that invoices change with daily pickings in Darjeeling.
Once again, we have to rely on the integrity and ability of vendors and
suppliers. Karel, quite so: Nothing quite as useless as an odorless tea,
or, for that matter, a tea taster with a cold in the nose.

For what it's worth, Kevin of Kyela teas knows of what he speaks. I have it
on good authority that German companies often beat North American companies
to the puncb when it comes to acquiring the best Darjeelings.

Michael, recovering nicely.




Aloke /11/04


>
> "Karel Valter" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Hi,
>> some of you probably remember WT-3 2003 which was very fine tea with
>> sweet green almond fllavor underlined with a light spicy bottom.
>> Unfortunately, WT-3 (or 8) 2004 is almost flavorless tea despite of
>> SpecialTeas information that it's similar to WT-3 2003 batch.
>> It 's really wonder how a tea may be free of any flavor.
>> I know we cannot have the same tea every year (after all it'll be
>> boring soon) but I feel there are few things so useless as an odorless
>> tea.
>
> I have no ideas about why this is so.
>
> However, lets start a thread next spring with updates like this from people
> who are buying the new supply next year. That will help the rest of us
> avoid bad lots and also identify the exceptionally good or improved lots.