Darjeeling 2nd Flush Organic FTGFOP1 Singell Estate Loose Leaf Black Tea

🍵 The Estate — FTGFOP1 grade organic black tea from Singell, one of Darjeeling's oldest plantations, established around 1871 and committed to organic cultivation since the mid-1980s

🍵 The Colour — A glowing bronze liquor, bright and clear in the cup, with the warmth and depth that second flush Darjeeling is celebrated for

🍵 The Character — Soft, velvety muscatel notes with hints of honey and orange blossom, full in body yet smooth on the palate with a polished, lingering finish

🍵 The Occasion — An unhurried afternoon cup for those who appreciate genuinely fine Himalayan black tea, best enjoyed without milk to let the muscatel shine

Singell Tea Estate has been producing tea since around 1871, making it one of the oldest plantations among Darjeeling's renowned gardens. Nestled near Kurseong at around 5,000 feet above sea level in the lower Himalayan foothills, and committed to organic cultivation since the mid-1980s, Singell is a garden with both history and principle behind it. This second flush organic FTGFOP1 is one of its finest expressions.

The second flush is harvested in early summer, typically from late May through July, when the stronger sun draws out the full aromatic character of the leaf. It is during this harvest that Darjeeling's defining quality — its soft, velvety muscatel — develops most richly, shaped in part by high altitude, organic terroir, and the slow maturation of the leaf in cool mountain air. Singell's second flush has long been sought after by those who know Darjeeling well.

The FTGFOP1 grade — Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, premium standard — tells you much about the leaf before you even open the caddy. The short, carefully processed leaf is uniform and well-made, carrying many silvery tips and reflecting the craft and attention given at every stage of production. Once brewed, it delivers a bright, glowing bronze cup with a flavour that is full and aromatic yet beautifully smooth: the muscatel notes are soft and velvety, underpinned by hints of honey and a gently rounded finish that lingers without heaviness. There are no added flavourings of any kind — the complexity comes entirely from the leaf, the garden, and the season.

This is a tea that rewards those who appreciate Darjeeling at its most expressive. It is particularly well suited to afternoon drinking, when its fragrance and gentle body feel most at home. For those who prefer their black tea without milk, this is a fine example of why Darjeeling is often called the champagne of teas.

Since 2008, High Teas London has been one of the country's leading independent tea specialists. With one of the largest collections in the country — over 350 teas and infusions — we have spent more than fifteen years seeking out teas of genuine character and provenance, and a second flush from Singell is precisely the kind of cup that represents what we are here for.

Ingredients: Organic black tea (Darjeeling, Singell Estate).

Brewing Note: Darjeeling second flush is a tea that rewards a careful approach. Use water at around 90 to 95°C — just off the boil — rather than fully boiling, which can dull the delicate muscatel notes. One heaped teaspoon per cup is a good starting point. Steep for three to four minutes, adjusting to your preference; a shorter steep keeps things light and floral, while a little longer brings more body and depth. This tea is best enjoyed without milk, which allows the fragrance and the soft muscatel character to come through cleanly. It will give a second infusion, lighter and more delicate than the first, which is worth trying before discarding the leaf.