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 Darjeeling is a very traditional and popular black tea, often served in the afternoon as it tends to be lighter in aroma and flavor. Among tea aficionados, it is known as the “Champagne” of Indian teas.
What makes Darjeeling teas so extraordinary is the terrain in which they are grown. Eighty four tea estates grow tea in high altitudes ranging from 3000 to 7000 feet. The cool climate, the rich, fertile and well drained soil as well as the pristine mountain air create a tea with a lighter color and body and a brisk, more concentrated flavor.
Darjeeling produces on average 22 million pounds of tea per year, all of which is plucked by hand and carefully processed in the three-story tea factories under the supervision of highly skilled tea masters.
Darjeeling teas are plucked at specific times during the nine months growing season and each plucking reveals its own unique character in the cup. The term Flush refers to the new growth on a tea plant with delicate, slender shoots that have a grey-green appearance and yield an infusion that is considered one of the finest teas in the world.
The first flush takes place from March to mid-April and produces a very fresh-tasting, less astringent Darjeeling with subtle floral notes. This sought after tea is limited in quantity and can yield high prices depending on estate of origin and quality. First Flush Darjeeling teas are to the tea connoisseur what Beaujolais Nouveau is to the wine aficionado!
The second flush is currently being harvested (May-June) and produces a flavor that is richer than the early spring tea and often has notes of honey and fruit.
The last harvest for the year takes place in October often called the autumnal flush. The tea still has the typical Darjeeling character but differs in color and aroma. The more mature leaves produce a darker, amber color in the cup and the flavor is smoother and more full-bodied than the spring and summer teas.
Every spring, we taste between 30 and 50 samples to find the best Darjeeling for our customers. This year, we chose a first flush from the well known Gopaldhara estate. This 320 hectare estate is one of the highest tea estates in Darjeeling and most of the tea grows at elevations between 5000 and 7000 feet.
If you are curious about this new tea and would like to sample it, visit us at the store throughout the month of June, where we have complimentary First Flush Tastings every Friday and Saturday in June.
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