Moderate Caffeine

When I was just discovering Darjeeling for the first time, the very first one I tried happened to be Margaret’s Hope. From the moment I tried it, I was hooked.

So when I heard that Brook37 was able to source a first flush Darjeeling for 2025 from none other than Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate in Darjeeling, of course I was looking forward to “re-experiencing the magic” so to speak.

First Bloom is a moonlit reserve Darjeeling which is hand-harvested from these renowned tea gardens. Said to deliver a delicate and silky light bodied infusion.

First Flush Darjeeling teas are generally in much lighter in taste but stronger in aroma than a Second Flush. While second flush has a stronger in taste with good aroma. Each has their fans that appreciate the different aspects between the two. I always like both but like the delicate bright floral notes of a First Flush.

It’s a rare treat to experience them, so when I am able to enjoy them, I find my tea time has an extra bit of elegance to it.

First Flush Margaret's Hope leaves are typically processed with minimal oxidation to preserve their delicate character. Its leaves are often a lighter color and more delicate in nature. Much as the appearance First Bloom had from the packet. And the aroma is heavenly. I immediately noticed the floral bloom with delicate clean scent.

I prepared mine in 175 degree water and let it steep for about 4 minutes, resulting in a pale yellow liquor. Very pleasing to the eye.

Taste wise, this blend is everything I could have possibly imagined and more. It clearly defines itself as the first essence of spring with its spring blooms, with hints of jasmine, and apricot notes. It is delicate and crisp with a clean floral flavor. It definitely has no harsh bitterness.

This truly is an elegant and beautiful blend and lends itself to clearly defining why Darjeeling is known as the champagne of teas.

It is elegance at its best.

I was recently given the privilege of trying a sample of a Biluochen 7-scented Jasmine green tea that Brook37 was kind enough to provide.

This beautiful but delicate green tea originates from the Fujian mountain in China. A province best known for its exotic white teas, divine jasmine teas, earthy oolongs, and flavorful blacks.

It has a truly aromatic scent of luscious jasmine with hints of a grassy undertone. I really love the scent of this as it brings to mind blooming jasmine gardens.

The leaves themselves are that of a light green color with nearly the appearance of silver tips. Brook37 founder Mou had mentioned this previously in one of her posts and I completely agree with her. It really is a beautiful tea.

When steeping this for thirty seconds it produces a pale golden yellow liquor in which the delicate floral aroma from the jasmine greets you. Taste wise it produces a sweet, fresh and mellow cup with a clear and refreshing aftertaste. Sweet with a light honeysuckle flavor.

It exudes quality with its delicate and subtle flavors. Definitely one of the top three jasmine teas I have tried and would purchase without any hesitation.

This was truly an enjoyable teatime

This tea was so good! I used 2 tsp of tea and steeped at 175° for 3 minutes. It brewed a really light yellow color. Very delicate, soft floral notes. So refreshing. Perfect cup of tea to start the day! I will definitely have to get more of this tea, absolutely delicious!

This tea offers a lovely earthy-floral aroma that invites you in from the very first whiff. As it steeps, the delicate leaves unfurl gracefully, releasing a goldenrod hue that's as beautiful as it is fragrant. The flavor is soft and refined—floral and peachy with a gentle astringency reminiscent of a perfectly ripe pear. Altogether, it’s an ethereal, almost dreamlike experience in a cup.

This Biluochun tea, grown at high mountain elevations, is distinguished by its softness, elegance, and subtle vegetal flavor. The tea undergoes a seven-stage jasmine scenting process, yielding a divine floral aroma and taste.

To preserve its delicate qualities, this tea requires a gentle brewing approach, involving a 30-second steeping time at 185°F, using 3g of tea per cup. This is truly an exquisite tea experience.

Furthermore, I hold Brook37 in high regard due to their commitment to environmentally and socially sustainable practices.

Today I’m drinking First Flush Darjeeling from Brook37.

I brewed 1.5 teaspoons of this beautiful full-leaf first flush tea for 3 minutes. It has a delicate, soft spring-green scent. Once brewed, the color is a very pale, crystal-clear spring yellow.

The taste is divine! It has a slight astringency and is fresh, subtly floral, and gently green in flavor.

This sip of tea is clean, refreshing, and brings a moment of calm and rejuvenation to the soul. As a busy mom of three preteens, those moments are few and fleeting. This tea soothes the nerves and offers a brief, peaceful pause in our joyful, chaotic days.

I truly enjoyed this tea and look forward to sipping it again soon!

I was really excited to try this tea. I love jasmine teas and this did not disappoint! It was so good! It was so light and delicate, sweet and floral. The jasmine really stands out. Also a slight vegetal flavor once it cooled down a bit. You only need to steep this tea for 30 seconds. Thats really all it needs! Highly recommend this one!

The Jasmine Tea from Brook37 is light, fragrant, and heavenly. Brewed for only 30 seconds this tea has subtly sweet taste and beautiful floral aroma from the jasmine blossoms. It is delicate, well balanced and smooth with very slight fresh, green/vegetal notes. It’s a tea you drink to feel relaxed, refined, elegant and beautiful. I really enjoyed the quiet, calm moments drinking this warm, fresh cup.

I was completely caught off guard by this 7-scented Jasmine/Biluochun blend. My experiences with Jasime blends primarily have been with Silver Needle teas. The Biluochun base definitely accentuated the Jasmine. Not to mention, this tea has been blended seven times with the Jasmine flower. I'm usually a "pure" tea drinker, but I will be buying more of this tea soon. Cheers!

Brook37 absolutely hit a home run with First Bloom! I really enjoyed this First Flush Darjeeling Moonlight Reserve and its delicate, silky, floral notes. I will be purchasing more and recommend you do as well!

I'm so excited as I utterly adore this second flush Darjeeling!

This Earl grey is unlike any other out there. Elegant, unique and complex while still true to its Earl Grey roots! Who knew licorice and pineapple would make such a perfect Earl Grey! I love this blend so much that when they did their big sale recently I bought 5 refills

The combination of hibiscus, nettle, rosehip, rose, strawberry and rose flavorings, strawberry leaf, elderflower and elderberry yields a truly delightful flavor profile reminiscent of a Spring garden. I find it enjoyable whether consumed hot, iced or in mocktails, often enhanced by the addition of mint.

I brewed using one of their silky sachets. It was filled with a generous supply of brown, nicely twisted wiry whole leaves with medium bloom and tippy buds (according to the notes on the lovely tin). Used 194°F water and steeped four minutes. The result was a delicious, flavorful tea. It was great on its own and also responded beautifully to a splash of almond milk.

I'm enjoying a leisurely Easter day, accompanied by my preferred herbal tea, Pink Rose Strawberry from Brook37.