Darjeeling is a reputed tea growing region in India situated at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.

Darjeeling teas which are regarded as the 'Champaign' of teas, are normally classified as a type of black tea, but the degree of oxidation, particularly at the start of the season is below 100%. If by classification, black teas are 100% oxidized, then First flush Darjeeling teas cannot be classified as black teas, but more like Oolong teas because First Flush teas are only about 90% oxidized or partially oxidized. This of course is only of academic interest.

Oxidization is adjusted in the manufacturing process to bring out the best flavor, taking advantage of the climatic conditions prevailing at the time. Very dry and cool weather prevailing during this time of the year is best for quality manufacture, resulting in exceptional flavor.

First Flush teas are made from leaves harvested early Spring. They are harder withered and less oxidized when compared to the second flush teas. The difference is seen in the dry leaf, which has a slight greenish hue and is also light in cup. The taste is very delicate with a touch of astringency (not to be mistaken with bitterness).

Second Flush Darjeeling teas are harvested end May and early June depending upon weather and climatic conditions and are found to have more color in cup and a stronger flavor. The liquor has more body than the first flush teas. Ideally, first and second flush teas should be tasted plain and not with milk. It is a matter of individual preference which tea is considered the better tea.

The First Flush Singbulli Estate Darjeeling featured by us is a late Spring tea.

Brewing : 5 minutes @ 205 F

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Singbulli Estate Darjeeling First Flush (2010) SFTGFOP1 – $12.00 (4 oz Tin)
A light liquoring delicately flavorful tea with a fine bouquet. Slightly astringent, very typical of First Flush Darjeeling teas which are less oxidized than normal black teas. A somewhat bolder leaf style to enhance the slightly greenish appearance, which is the result of a harder wither. Brewing – 5 minutes at 205 F.


 

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Poobong Estate Darjeeling First Flush (2008) SFTGFOP – $10.00 (4 oz Tin)
This is an outstanding tea from this season’s early Spring harvest. It has the real Darjeeling Character with delicate flavor and bright color in cup. Slightly astringent. Dry leaf shows a greenish hue signifying a lesser oxidization. An impressive tea! Brew for 5 minutes @ 200 F.

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Poobong Estate Darjeeling Second Flush (2008) SFTGOP - $10.00 (4 oz Tin)
This is an exceptional second flush tea from this season’s harvest. Even though this tea was harvested late May 2008, it shows character of a second flush with nuances of a first flush. More color and flavor in the cup, less astringent and more body. A delightful tea! Brew for 5 minutes @ 210 F.
 

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Castleton Estate SFTGFOP - $9.50 (3.5 oz bag)
A very nice Darjeeling with a muscatel flavor. This is an Autumnal tea harvested in September / October. Has the characteristic Muscatel flavor and has more body than a second flush. Milk can be added when made strong. Brew for 5 minutes @ 212 F.

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Namring Upper Estate SFTGFOP - $8.50 (3.5 oz bag)
High elevation Darjeeling tea. Prominent show of ‘tip’, good quality and flavor. A nice tea for the price. Brew for 5 minutes @ 212 F
 

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Khongea Estate Assam TGFOP - $7.00  (3.5 oz bag)
Assam is one of the oldest tea growing regions in the world. Located North East of India, it is famous for strong full bodied tea. Assam teas are used in Breakfast blends. This tea is an orthodox rolled black tea with little ‘tip’. Tastes malty and comes out strong in the cup. Takes milk.

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