First Flush Darjeeling Tea
Hillton Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 CL (2023 DJ-9) Darjeeling
An herbaceous aroma is enhanced by a subtle floral perfume and sweet hints of brown sugar, which sets the stage for the rich, invigorating character of this 2023 first flush Darjeeling. A silky smooth mouth feel embraces notes of spring flowers and hints of tropical fruit in the light amber cup. In the finish, a crisp bittersweet note is balanced with lingering notes of honey. A tea lover’s tea!
Singbulli Estate First Flush SFTGFOP1 Ch (2023) Darjeeling
Very bold leaves in shades of olive-green yield a bright amber-gold cup of loose leaf first flush Darjeeling tea, with a fresh fragrance that hints of wildflowers and a toasty brown sugar sweetness. Singbulli Estate's first flush Darjeeling tea has a smooth buttery mouth feel embraces a lively character with classic floral flavor, enhanced by notes of honey and sweet nectar. The finish lingers on a crisp bittersweet note. Another exemplary selection from one of our favorite tea estates!
Arya Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (DJ-3) Darjeeling
An inviting floral fragrance introduces this first flush selection from the Arya Estate, which has been producing premium Darjeeling teas for over 100 years. The amber gold cup is lively and bursting with mouth-filling complexity. Notes of sweet flowers, buttery corn silk, juicy tropical fruit and creamy almond create a rich harmony of well-balanced flavor that lingers long into the crisp finish.
Balasun Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (2023 DJ-7) Darjeeling
The bold, meticulously crafted leaves of this 2023 first flush Darjeeling yield a lively cup with a rich, silky mouth feel. The candied floral aroma whispers of orange blossoms and a light herbaceous nuance. With notes of tropical fruit and flowers, the flavor profile epitomizes “springtime in a cup.” This exceptional offering finishes on a crisp citrus-like note, balanced with a lingering sweetness. A staff favorite.
Balasun Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (DJ-1) Darjeeling
The bold, attractive leaves of Balasun Estate’s very first plucking are sprinkled with a fair complement of silvery tips. The fresh aroma is delicate, with honeyed floral hints. The amber-gold cup is exceptional, with rich floral notes enhanced by a silky smooth mouth feel. A tropical fruit sweetness leads to a crisp, lingering finish.
Balasun Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (DJ-12) Darjeeling
Named after a river that flows through the tea garden, the Balasun Estate has been producing premium teas for 150 years. In this first flush Darjeeling, a light pungency adds a lively aspect to the sweet, floral fragrance. Rich notes of flowers and honey, accented by warm toasty hints, are supported by a buttery smooth mouth feel in the golden amber cup. The finish lingers on a crisp, clean note.
Jungpana Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (2023 DJ-4) Darjeeling
In this 2023 first flush Darjeeling loose leaf tea offering, flecks of spring green brighten bold, dark-olive leaves, redolent with a fresh herbaceous aroma. With its pronounced sweet floral fragrance and flavor, the golden amber cup invites that first sip. A buttery smooth mouth feel leads to a clean finish that lingers with a honey sweetness. A superb selection from Jungpana Tea Estate, creating a memorable tea moment with every sip.
Jungpana Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (DJ-9) Darjeeling
First planted at the turn of the 20th century, the south-facing tea slopes of the Jungpana Estate are located in a remote area near Kurseong, where the average elevation is 4,000 feet. This first flush offering displays dark olive leaves that are laced with a fine complement of downy silver tips. A sweet tropical fruit aroma sets the stage for the buttery smooth, amber gold cup. Rich notes of honey and spring flowers are complemented by a refreshing astringency that settles around the edges of the palate. A honey sweetness tempers the crisp, lingering finish.
Mission Hill Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (2022 EX-2) Darjeeling
Harvested on March 3, 2022, this stellar first flush Darjeeling intoxicates with its fresh floral fragrance. Upon first sip, the vibrant gold liquor fills your mouth with a buttery smooth feeling like golden cornsilk. Enlivened by a rich honey sweetness, the classic floral character conjures a stroll through a lush spring garden. Vegetal hints linger in the crisp finish, completing a delightful tea moment.
Namring Upper Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (EX-2) Darjeeling
This superior selection is the second plucking of the first flush season at the Upper division of Namring Estate, one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling district. Ultra-bold leaves, in shades of olive green accented with silver tips, produce a pale amber-gold cup, fragrant with hints of tropical fruit. A smooth buttery mouth feel complements pronounced floral notes and hints of corn silk, enfolded in a rich honey sweetness that lingers long into the finish.
North Tukvar Estate First Flush SFTGFOP1 CL (2023 DJ-2) Darjeeling
Located near the border of Sikkim, the North Tukvar Tea Estate has been producing superior teas since it was first planted in 1884. This outstanding 2023 first flush Darjeeling tea offering was plucked on March 11th at an elevation of 2,000 feet. An abundance of downy silver tips decorates bold leaves of variegated olive greens, which produce a rich golden amber cup with a sweet floral/fruity aroma. A smooth, round mouth feel supports a flavor profile bursting with notes of tropical fruit and melon. This loose leaf Darjeeling tea's finish lingers with a palate-awakening crispness reminiscent of biting into a red apple.
Oaks Estate First Flush SFTGFOP1 (2022 DJ-16) Darjeeling
A sweet fruity aroma, complemented by light floral hints, introduces this exceptional 2022 first flush Darjeeling tea. The shimmering amber-gold liquor of this loose leaf Darjeeling black tea is buttery smooth with a heady tropical quality that brings to mind a juicy pineapple. The polished finish lingers with a hint of honey and crisp white wine undertone. Savor this tea hot or iced.
Shop our collection of Darjeeling First Flush Tea, as featured in the Wine Spectator!
Nestled in the Himalayan mountains of West Bengal, India, the Darjeeling region is well known for its lush, rolling hills and breathtaking views. Just before spring arrives each year, the tea plants awaken from their winter dormancy to produce the highly anticipated first flush tea harvest, the famous "Champagne of tea."
First flush Darjeeling teas are prized for their delicate fragrance and flavor, the liquor ranges in color from golden yellow to amber gold, often referred to as a “cup of sunshine.” Notes of flowers and tropical fruit join a lively, effervescent quality and silky smooth mouth feel.
Every spring, the arrival of the first flush teas is always a celebrated event here at Upton Tea Imports. We source the finest loose leaf conventional and organic darjeeling teas the season has to offer, direct from the estates, to provide you with the ultimate tea experience.