DARJEELING TEAS

The Himalayan Tea Gardens

Darjeeling sits high in the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal, its tea gardens climbing to elevations that few other growing regions can match. The combination of cool mountain air, morning mist, heavy monsoon rainfall and well-drained hillside soil produces teas of exceptional delicacy — lighter in body and far more fragrant than the robust black teas of the plains below. These conditions, unique to Darjeeling, are what give the region its famous elegance and its long-standing reputation as the Champagne of tea.

Flavour and Character

The range within a Darjeeling collection is wider than many people expect, because the flavour changes significantly across the three annual flushes. Darjeeling Margaret's Hope FTGFOP1 is drawn from one of the region's most celebrated estates, offering the classic poise of a quality Darjeeling — floral, bright and beautifully balanced. Singell Estate Organic 2nd Flush brings the famous muscatel character of the second flush: a richer, more rounded cup with notes of grape and a deeper aromatic finish. The Autumnal Flush Darjeeling offers something altogether softer — mellow, smooth and quietly contemplative.

Brewing Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling is best appreciated black, without milk, where its more delicate aromas and seasonal character can really come through. First flush teas suit a slightly lower water temperature — around 85 to 90°C — and a shorter steep of three to four minutes to preserve their freshness. Second flush and autumnal teas can take a little more heat and time, revealing their fuller body and depth. This is a collection for slower, more attentive tea drinking rather than a quick morning brew.

For anyone who has only encountered Darjeeling as a generic tea bag blend, this collection is a revelation. The difference between a first and a second flush from the same region — or between a classic estate and an organic example — is striking, and well worth exploring.