Assam Hathikuli Bio GBOP Organic Loose Leaf Black Tea

There is a place in Assam where the tea garden and the wild press right up against one another — where the name itself, Hathikuli, translates from Assamese as a place frequently visited by elephants. This is the Hathikuli Tea Estate, situated south of the River Brahmaputra in the Golaghat district, its boundaries running alongside the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a setting quite unlike any other in the tea world, and the teas it produces carry something of that character.

Established in 1908 and fully converted to organic status by 2011, Hathikuli holds one of the largest single certified organic cultivation areas in the entire Assam Valley. The decision to go organic was driven in part by the estate's proximity to Kaziranga — a recognition that the land, its wildlife, and its tea are part of the same ecosystem. The transition brought measurable benefits: richer soil, a greater number of earthworms, and a natural increase in predators that manage pests without the need for chemicals. The result is a tea grown in genuinely healthy ground, and it shows in the cup.

This listing is for the GBOP grade — Golden Broken Orange Pekoe — which means the leaf carries golden tips and has been broken to a size that produces a brisk, strong, and deeply colourful infusion. The broken leaf releases its character quickly and completely, giving a glowing copper cup with a strong, spicy aroma and a rich malty depth that is very much the hallmark of a well-made Assam black tea. On the palate, sweet honey notes come forward first, followed by a smooth, full body and a delicate astringency in the finish that keeps the cup lively without tipping into bitterness. There are no added flavourings or blending ingredients — just pure organic Assam, with nothing standing between you and the leaf.

Since 2008, High Teas London has been one of the country's leading independent tea specialists, with over 350 teas and infusions from the world's finest gardens — one of the largest collections in the country. Finding a tea with genuine provenance, grown with integrity and tasting exactly as it should, is what this collection is built around. Assam Hathikuli Bio GBOP Organic is a fine example of both.

Ingredients: Organic Assam black tea.

Brewing Note: The GBOP grade is cut for strength, so a little goes a long way. Use one heaped teaspoon per cup and pour freshly boiled water at 95 to 100°C directly over the leaf. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes for a bright, balanced cup, or push to 5 minutes if you prefer something fuller and more robust. This tea takes milk very well — a small splash of whole or semi-skimmed milk softens the astringency and lets the honey and malt notes come through more clearly. It can also be enjoyed without milk if you prefer to taste the full character of the Assam leaf. This is not a tea for multiple infusions in the traditional sense; one good, properly made cup is what it is designed for.