=Assams=—Are greyish-black in color, the leaf of the finer grades being
“Pekoe-tipped” and evenly curled. The liquor is unusually strong and
pungent, in addition to being thick and heavy in body. The infused leaf
dark-brown, with a reddish tinge, and almost perfect in form.
=Cachars=—Are blacker in color, but not as well curled or even in
appearance. The liquor is softer and occasionally “fruity,” approaching
a burnt flavor, while the infused leaf is larger, darker and not as
finely shaped.
=Darjeeling=—Is a hybrid variety, produced from a cross between the
China and India species, and partaking somewhat of the character of
both. It is still blacker in the dry leaf, but on an average not as
finely curled, and while full in body is not as pungent or flavory in
the cup. The infused leaf is more bright, tender, shapely and “salmony”
red in color.
=Kangras=—As a rule are dark and symmetrical in leaf, light in liquor,
but delicate and aromatic in flavor. The infused leaf is reddish-brown
in color, with dark or burnt edges, but perfect in shape and form.
=Deradoon=—Is a high-fired tea, loosely made and deteriorating rapidly,
becoming sour on exposure to the air. Occasionally the flavor is
“earthy,” analagous to that of Ankoi Oolong, for which reason they are
not much sought after.
=Kumaon=—Is generally converted into Green teas, including Imperials,
Gunpowders, and Hysons, all being prepared from the same leaf. The chief
difference lies in their make and color, as they still retain all the
characteristics of liquor and flavor of India teas.
=Chittagongs=—Are strong, thick and heavy in the cup; “nutty” in flavor
and considered good, useful teas for blending purposes, from their great
strength and positive character, for which qualities they are always in
good demand.
=Dooars=—Approximate to Cachars in color, make and general appearance,
strong, but rough in liquor, pungent and pleasing in flavor, a valuable
tea for blending, imparting tone and character to any combination in
which they may be used.
=Neilgherry=—Is a very inferior sort, bearing the same relation to India
teas that Ankois do to Oolongs and Pingsueys to Green teas. The leaf in
general is black, coarse, “tippy,” rough and unsightly in the hand,
while the liquor is thin, muddy and rank or “weedy” in flavor.
=Travancore=—Is a “new district” tea, which, like all new teas, is large
and coarse in leaf, heavy and dark in liquor, and strong and wild or
“grassy” in flavor.
=Juligoorie and Rangworths=—Are bold in style, rather rough in make, but
regular and well developed. The liquor is thick and rich in color, rough
or “rasping” in flavor, but occasionally smooth and “toasty,” while the
infused leaves are bright and well formed as a rule.
SUB-VARIETIES OF INDIA TEA.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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