Moonlight First Flush Darjeeling: Is DJ-31/25 Worth It?
By The Tea Spot | Loose Leaf Tea, Pyramid Tea Bags, Steepware | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: 商品レビュー
Moonlight first flush Darjeeling is a delicate spring tea, not a caffeine-free moonlight brew. Here's what DJ-31/25 actually is and how to get the best cup.
Quick answer
Moonlight first flush Darjeeling is not a caffeine-free moonlight tea. It is a delicate spring Darjeeling, and DJ-31/25 from Turzum Estate is a light, floral first flush best brewed gently and enjoyed young.
What "moonlight" actually means here
"Moonlight" in the name is a descriptor, not a production method. The catalog describes DJ-31/25 as a first flush Darjeeling plucked in early spring, after winter dormancy, when the bushes push out their first new growth. That timing, not moonlight, is what makes the leaf delicate.
The name likely signals the tea's bright, floral character rather than a nighttime harvest. Treat it as a light spring tea, not a sleepy herbal infusion.
First flush vs second flush: what changes in the cup
First flush is the year's first harvest, picked over a few short weeks in early spring. The catalog notes it is prized for bright, floral character and a lighter body. That means DJ-31/25 will taste fresher and more delicate than a darker second flush, but it also means it can turn bitter if you brew it like a robust black tea.
If you want a stronger, maltier cup, a second flush Darjeeling is a better fit. If you want a light, aromatic spring tea, first flush is the right choice.
How to brew DJ-31/25 without flattening it
The catalog does not list exact water temperature or steep time for DJ-31/25, so start cooler and shorter than you would for a typical black tea. Use water that is hot but not boiling, and steep for a short time, then adjust to taste. This protects the floral notes and keeps the body from becoming harsh.
Because the leaf is delicate, avoid overloading the pot. A little leaf goes a long way, and you can always add more on the next steep.
Myths and verdicts
- "Moonlight Darjeeling is caffeine-free": False. DJ-31/25 is a first flush Darjeeling, which is a true tea and therefore contains caffeine. The catalog does not describe it as decaffeinated or herbal. If you need a caffeine-free cup, choose an herbal tea instead.
- "First flush and second flush taste the same": False. The catalog describes first flush as bright, floral, and lighter in body. Second flush is not described here, but the contrast is why first flush is treated as a distinct spring tea. Pick first flush when you want delicacy, not strength.
- "You can brew it like any black tea": Not ideal. Because DJ-31/25 is delicate, use cooler water and a shorter steep than you would for a robust black tea. The catalog gives no exact parameters, so taste as you go. Start gentle and adjust upward rather than over-steeping.
Product facts
- Moonlight First Flush Darjeeling DJ-31/25: Grown at Turzum Estate in the Rungbong Valley, one of Darjeeling's storied gardens. A named estate gives you a consistent reference point for the bright, floral style of first flush Darjeeling.
Moonlight First Flush Darjeeling DJ-31/25 - Moonlight First Flush Darjeeling DJ-31/25: First flush Darjeeling is plucked over a few short weeks in early spring after winter dormancy. That short window explains the tea's light body and delicate character, so brew it gently rather than as a strong breakfast tea.
