First Flush Darjeeling Tea

This outstanding 2025 first flush Darjeeling is a fine plucking of dark olive leaves and downy, silver tips. The clear amber-gold liquor is fresh and inviting with a bouquet of floral notes, complemented by hints of sweet corn silk. The buttery cup is smooth, yet lively, with a refreshing vivacity that awakens the palate. The classic floral flavor is enhanced by hints of spring greens and tropical fruit notes that bloom as the tea cools. The finish lingers on a crisp, clean note.

This first flush Darjeeling blend features bold attractive leaves, in shades of olive-green, which produce a bright, smooth cup with a rich mouth feel. Notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle bloom in the amber gold liquor, leading to a refreshingly crisp finish that lingers on the palate. A great value for first flush Darjeeling aficionados!

First planted at the turn of the 20th century, the south-facing tea slopes of the Jungpana Estate are located in a remote area in Darjeeling near Kurseong, a misty land of rolling hills where the average elevation is 4,000 feet. Plucked on March 20th, this 2025 first flush offering displays bold leaves in variegated tones of olive green, laced with delicate, silver tips. A pronounced tropical fruit fragrance sets the stage for the lively golden cup, where herbaceous notes of spring flowers bloom. A refreshing nuance of citrus zest balances with a hint of pineapple sweetness that lingers in the crisp finish.

In this 2023 first flush Darjeeling offering, very bold leaves in shades of olive-green yield a bright amber-gold cup with a fresh fragrance that hints of wildflowers and a toasty brown sugar sweetness. 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!

Originally planted in 1869, the venerable Seeyok Estate is located near the India-Nepal border and sits at an altitude averaging 4,700 feet, with a scenic view of Kanchenjunga Mountain, the third highest peak in the world. In this superlative 2024 first flush Darjeeling offering, flecks of bright green leaves and silver tips thread through bold, olive-green leaves, which produce a mouth filling cup of golden sunshine. The sweet aroma is fragrant with notes of honey and meadow flowers, complemented by a fresh vegetal hint. The smooth liquor exhibits a lively, spring-like character, with floral notes that are accented by a nuance of oak. The crisp, pungent finish is well balanced with a lingering honey sweetness. A staff favorite.

The Gopaldhara Estate sits at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Himalayas and holds the distinction of being the highest tea-growing elevation in Darjeeling. This exquisite 2025 first flush selection offers a pronounced sweetness in both aroma and flavor, enhancing its fruity character. Fragrant with hints of brown sugar and a nuance of tropical pineapple, the amber-gold cup lights up the palate with juicy notes of peach, accented by touches of honey and a whisper of spice. The sweetness lingers into a silky smooth finish.

Harvested on February 3rd, the very first plucking of the 2025 first flush season at Rohini Estate, this outstanding selection displays bold, handcrafted leaves in shades of green, decorated with delicate, silvery tips. The aroma is fresh and fragrant, with sweet floral hints and notes of corn silk. The cup glows with rich golden highlights, the first sip blooming with honeyed floral notes, complemented by hints of fresh spring greens. A full buttery mouth feel embraces the classic first flush flavor profile, leading to a lingering, silky finish. Savor each sip of this stellar offering.

With elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 feet, the esteemed Sungma Estate was first planted in the 1860s. This 2025 first flush selection offers a creamy, mouth-filling cup with a sugary-sweet, toasty aroma that hints at almond and anise. The amber-gold liquor presents a classic floral bouquet, enhanced by a tropical fruit sweetness. The refreshing finish lingers with a floral aftertaste that adds depth to the flavor profile.

This 2024 first flush Darjeeling offers finely particled leaves, in shades of olive green, which steep a light golden-amber cup with an invigorating fragrance hinting of almond and spice. Notes of tropical fruit and almond, a corn silk sweetness, and a zesty hint of citrus are complemented by the buttery smooth mouthfeel. A dry white wine crispness enlivens the lingering finish. A great value from the renowned Steinthal Estate.

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 corn silk. 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.

With its invigorating, full-bodied cup, this 2024 Snowview Estate first flush offering exhibits a classic “European style” character. The heady aroma is a rich bouquet of sweet flowers, fresh corn silk, and spring greens. These notes enliven the flavor of the sparkling gold liquor as well. Hints of tropical fruit and apricot linger in the finish, delighting the palate with a refreshing crispness. The perfect accompaniment to a decadent dessert.

Cultivating premium teas since 1870, the Snowview Estate coexists with the migratory path of elephant herds, which travel across the estate regularly between the forests in order to drink and bathe in the Moortee river on the lower border of the tea garden. They have recently partnered with Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network, an independent organization striving to protect elephant populations. In 2020, Snowview Estate became the first tea garden in Darjeeling to be awarded with Elephant Friendly Tea Garden certification.

Producing premium Darjeeling teas in the Mirik Valley for over a century, the Thurbo Estate cultivates tea at an average elevation of 6,000 feet. In this 2025 first flush offering, silver tips are sprinkled among attractive leaves in shades of olive green. Tropical fruit notes lend a rich sweetness to both the aroma and the amber-gold cup. Hints of fresh corn silk and spring greens add depth to the fragrance. A candy-like sweetness complements subtle notes of almond and flowers in the flavor. The crisp finish lingers with the whisper of a spring garden.