Indian Tea

Bring good fortune to your tea journey with this unique set, which includes a 30g packet of our TD236: Snowview Estate First Flush SFTGFOP1 (2024 EX-4) Darjeeling and our ATP1: Baby Elephant Tea Pet. The perfect gift for yourself or your favorite tea lover!

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.

Enjoy reading our Introduction to Tea Pets blog post!

4 tins (approx. 35g each) of teas from the following black teas, depending upon seasonal availability: TP12: Premium China Keemun, TD50: No.1 Tippy Orthodox GFOP Darjeeling, ZY51: China Yunnan TGFOP, TB10: Bond Street English Breakfast Blend, ZK11: China Keemun First Grade or TB51: East Frisian BOP Assam Tea. These 4 tea selections are representative of a wide range of fine black teas.

Please note that Sampler Sets cannot be personalized.

Please note that the 4 teas in this sampler set will vary according to the season.

This Assam selection produces a dark cup with a full flavor profile. Notes of cocoa and a delicate caramel hint complement a sweet and toasty aroma for an enjoyable cup.

This tea is the perfect choice to enjoy with a spoonful of our Tupelo Honey.

A blend of choice C.T.C. grade Assam teas, with the typical malty and flavorful taste profile. A perfect choice for those seeking a strong morning cup.

The bold, dark brown leaves of this Season’s Pick Assam infuse a thick, rich cup with notes of malt and cocoa, enhanced by hints of manuka honey and spice. A molasses sweetness accentuates nuances of malt and oak, which lend an intriguing depth to the toasty aroma. The full finish reveals a spicy astringency, balanced with lingering hints of stone fruit. This exceptional Assam blend offers a great value for an everyday cup.

An abundance of beautiful, golden tips accents the chunky leaf style of this 2024 broken-leaf Assam. The dark amber-copper cup is fragrant with complementary notes of malt, red wine, and ripe apple, touched by a fleeting whisper of smoke. The complex flavor is rich and invigorating, with notes of Burgundy, oak, and cocoa, accompanied by a dried fruit sweetness. An earthy quality is balanced with a toasty sweetness in the crisp, lingering finish.

Flecks of golden tips provide an eye-catching contrast to the bold, ebony-brown leaves of this 2024 Assam selection. The dark coppery liquor offers a bright aroma suffused with notes of cocoa powder, red wine, and hints of spice. The full-bodied cup has a crisp character, which sets the stage for rich notes of malt, cocoa, stone fruit, and honey. The finish lingers on a note reminiscent of dry red wine.

With an attractive complement of golden tips, the bold, well-formed leaves yield a thick, rich cup with pronounced sweetness and complex flavor. The sweet malty aroma is enhanced by hints of semi-sweet chocolate, a winey richness, and toasty warmth. In the amber-copper liquor, layered nuances of malt, cherry, oak, and a whisper of rose lead to a lively finish that lingers with a note of warming spice.

This 2024 Doomni Estate Assam offers a complex aroma and solid cup character, the perfect tea for everyday enjoyment. Starting with fragranced layers of malt, Burgundy, dried cherry, and spicy cacao, the smooth, rich flavor reveals notes of malt and cocoa, which stand up well to the addition of milk, if desired. A vanilla-honey sweetness lingers in the finish, balanced with a dry red wine astringency that awakens the palate.

With pronounced notes of malt and cocoa in both the aroma and flavor, this classic Assam breakfast tea is the perfect choice for your everyday morning cup. The fragrance hints of honey, which complements the rich notes in the aroma. The dark copper liquor is smooth yet robust with a warming toastiness that harmonizes with hints of toffee sweetness. The finish lingers with a whisper of spice.

Sprinkled with light golden tips, the dark brown leaves of this organic Assam selection produce a deep ruby-copper liquor with a sweet, malty aroma that hints of Burgundy and dried cherry. The solid, everyday cup is smooth and medium-bodied, perfect as a self-drinker. Notes of malt, cocoa, and honey weave together to create a harmonious, well-balanced flavor. The finish lingers with a whisper of spice.

Rooted in a century-plus tradition as one of Assam’s oldest tea gardens, the Meleng Estate produces high-quality Assam teas from rare clonal varieties. From its rich aroma to its hearty, full-bodied cup, this 2025 offering speaks eloquently of that legacy. Hints of bittersweet cocoa mingle with sweet, malty nuances in the fragrant scent. A smooth-as-velvet mouthfeel embraces a honeyed character, layered with complex notes of cocoa, malt, Burgundy, and oak. The dry finish lingers with a red wine astringency and a trace of spice.

A uniform, broken-leaf tea with bold character and strong, malty flavor. This tea is a great choice for breakfast and throughout the day.

A bold C.T.C. style tea with rich flavor. The dark liquor will readily take milk. Especially suited as a bracing morning tea.

A whole-leaf Assam with golden tips (young leaf buds). Characteristic maltiness and complex flavor. This is our most popular Assam tea.

The Crush-Tear-Curl manufacturing method produces quick-brewing teas with full flavor. We highly recommend this blend of Assam teas for those who like a very hearty cup. Exquisite with milk.

This premium blend of decaffeinated broken-leaf Assam black teas produces a rich, full-bodied cup. The aroma is sweet with hints of malt. The dark copper liquor is bright with a smooth mouth feel, leading to a pleasant pungency lingering in the finish.

The best value in Darjeeling tea. Broken-leaf Darjeeling is often overlooked, either because the price is so reasonable or because too much value is placed on a more stylish leaf. This flavorful BOP blend offers a great cup at a very attractive price.

With elevations ranging over 6,000 feet, the Thurbo Estate has been producing premium Darjeeling teas for over a century. In this first flush offering, silver tips decorate attractive leaves in a colorful display of olive greens. A rich toasty aroma introduces an amber-gold cup with an assertive character that enhances its full, lively mouth feel. Fresh floral/herbaceous notes and a honey sweetness are complemented by notes of stone fruit, which lend a gentle crispness to the lingering finish.

Pronounced floral/herbaceous notes permeate the sweet aroma of this broken-leaf second flush Darjeeling. The dark amber cup fills your mouth with rich notes of fruit and honey, which linger into the crisp finish. A great choice for a splash of milk, if desired.

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.

Harvested on March 8, 2022, this is the very first plucking of the first flush season at Tindharia Estate. A profusion of downy silver tips decorate the olive-green leaves, which produce a fragrant golden liquor redolent with buttery floral notes suggestive of honeysuckle. The silky smooth cup fills your mouth with a lively feel that awakens the palate. Classic floral notes pair with a fruity sweetness reminiscent of juicy pineapple, which linger into the crisp finish. A truly delightful way to enjoy a tea moment at any time of day.

Spread across the rolling hills of the Mirik area of Darjeeling, the Singbulli Estate is well known for crafting top-notch Darjeeling teas. This 2022 second flush offering is true to their reputation. The lively cup begins with a toasty/woody aroma, accentuated by hints of caramel. The dark amber liquor exhibits a rich fruity bouquet, complemented by an excellent pairing of muscatel sweetness and crisp citrus-like notes, which linger into the finish. Steep longer if a splash of milk is desired.

With its silky smooth, medium-bodied cup, this is the perfect choice for those Darjeeling aficionados looking for a less robust second flush offering best enjoyed neat. The aroma is redolent with honey and citrus, lending a sweet, crisp aspect that balances well with a warm toastiness in the flavor. Rich stone fruit notes bloom as the tea cools, making this a great choice for iced tea. The finish is smooth and clean.

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.

First planted in 1852, the Puttabong Tea Estate is notable as one of the first tea gardens in Darjeeling. With a sweet floral aroma reminiscent of a blooming spring meadow, this 2023 first flush Darjeeling tea selection invites you to take your first sip. Bold, dark-olive leaves, sprinkled with downy silver tips, produce a light amber-gold liquor that delights the palate with its fresh, buttery smoothness and classic, honeyed floral flavor. A smooth, clean finish completes a memorable Darjeeling tea experience.

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.

Named after Queen Victoria, the Victoria’s Peak garden is a division of the renowned Steinthal Estate. In this 2023 first flush Darjeeling tea offering, premium loose leaf black tea leaves in rich tones of olive green are laced with silvery tips. A full, lively mouth feel enhances the sweet floral character, which is complemented by juicy notes of pineapple and tropical fruit. Nuances of corn silk and honey linger long into the crisp finish.

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.

The Castleton Estate is known for crafting top-notch Darjeeling teas. This 2023 second flush Darjeeling tea offering is true to their reputation. The chestnut-colored liquor has a lively fruity bouquet in both the aroma and flavor, with hints of muscatel and a ripe stone fruit sweetness. The smooth, full-bodied cup has a rich mouth feel and honey nuances, which linger in the finish alongside a whisper of wildflowers.

Downy, golden tips thread through dark brown leaves that steep a rich, dark-amber liquor with a pronounced muscatel aroma. Hints of almond, honey, and oak add a balanced complexity to the fragrance. The classic muscatel notes bloom in the silky smooth flavor, accentuated by hints of Burgundy and soft floral nuances. A honey sweetness lingers in the finish.

This 2023 second flush Darjeeling tea selection has an inviting fragrance with pronounced muscatel notes that are accentuated by a molasses sweetness and light vanilla hint. A velvety smooth mouth feel embraces a complex flavor profile with classic muscatel notes, a honey-sweet floral hint, and cedar/oak nuances. The finish lingers with a lively crispness and earthy hint.

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!

Bold, well-crafted leaves, in a wide range of olive-green shades, mingle with silver, downy tips in this superlative first flush Darjeeling from North Tukvar Estate. The silky smooth cup glows with a golden light and exudes a honeyed floral fragrance, accented with hints of corn silk and dried fruit. Upon first sip, the liquor fills the palate with pronounced floral notes, complemented by a tropical fruit undertone and whisper of oak. A lingering sweetness adds a satisfying touch to the clean, clear finish.

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.

With its fresh herbaceous aroma hinting of tropical fruit with mineral undertones, this superb 2024 first flush Darjeeling from Balasun Estate invites you to take that first sip. The golden amber cup is buttery smooth, filling the palate with classic floral notes that are enhanced by hints of honey and corn silk. A burst of tropical fruit sweetness lingers in the crisp, polished finish.

This impressive 2024 first flush selection is from the Thurbo Estate, which is located in the verdant Mirik Valley of Darjeeling. The well-made, attractive leaves yield a golden-amber liquor, aromatic with a floral essence, a pronounced sweetness, and a fresh vegetal hint. The medium-bodied cup has a lively character, bursting with rich floral notes, a tropical fruit whisper, and a hint of mineral. The subtly crisp, lingering finish leaves a pleasant sweetness on the palate, completing an enjoyable tea experience.

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.

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.

In this outstanding selection from the 2024 second flush season at Castleton Estate, well-crafted, dark brown leaves produce a copper-amber cup that fills your senses with rich notes of muscatel and honey. Complemented by toasty hints and a whisper of vanilla that linger in the velvety smooth finish, this tea makes a delightful treat for any time of day.

A cornucopia of ripe autumn fruit flavors delights the palate in this classic 2024 second flush tea selection from Balasun Estate. A creamy smooth mouth feel embraces rich muscatel notes, which are accented by an undertone of stone fruit and a lush grape sweetness that blooms as the tea cools. The velvety finish lingers, inviting the next sip.

The Thurbo Estate is highly esteemed for their excellent Darjeelings, such as this 2024 second flush selection with its pronounced muscatel flavor and appealing aromatics. The rich amber cup is velvety smooth with complex layers of dried stone fruit, mahogany, Burgundy, and oak. A spicy sweetness lingers in the crisp finish. A staff favorite.

First planted in the 1860s, the Singell Estate stretches across steep mountainsides that range in elevation from 3,200 to 5,000 feet. The well-made, reddish-umber leaves of this 2024 second flush selection produce a deep amber liquor with a vibrant bouquet of muscatel, oak, and stone fruit sweetness. The velvety smooth cup is rich and fruity with pronounced muscatel flavor, supported by fresh apple hints and a note of stone fruit that lingers in the crisp, spicy finish.

Located in the cool, misty climate of the Rung Bong valley, the Turzum Estate has been producing high-quality Darjeeling teas since the late 1800s. It merged with the esteemed Sungma Estate after an earthquake hit the area in 1934. This 2024 second flush tea offering balances a sweet, smooth character with mouth-filling fruity, nutty flavor. The medium amber cup is appealingly aromatic with notes of muscatel and honey, accented by a spicy toastiness. The finish is smooth and mellow with a lingering stone fruit sweetness.

From its fresh, toasty aroma, hinting of brown sugar and sweet berries, to its smooth, fruity flavor, this 2024 second flush Darjeeling from Castleton Estate is a wonderful value. Hints of honey and spice linger in the crisp finish, making this refreshing selection the perfect choice for both hot and iced tea.

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.

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.

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.

Carefully handcrafted, this exceptional 2025 first flush Darjeeling displays bold, olive-green leaves, accented by delicate, silver tips. The lively aroma introduces the sun-warmed scent of fresh corn silk, sweetened by soft floral hints. The pale golden cup offers a silky mouthfeel, which supports crisp notes of spring herbs, a whisper of flowers, and a rich tropical sweetness that becomes more pronounced as the tea cools. The finish balances a bittersweet pungency with a lingering floral aftertaste.

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.

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.

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.

Perched at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 5,200 feet, the Giddapahar Estate thrives in the cool, mist-laden air — perfect for producing premium Darjeeling teas. This 2025 second flush selection beckons that first sip with a rich ambrosial aroma full of muscatel and honey notes. With notes of toasted almond, honey, and ripe apple, the dark amber cup is smooth and full-bodied. The finish lingers with a light effervescence and a whisper of Burgundy.

From its enticingly sweet fragrance to its smooth-as-silk mouthfeel, this unique 2025 Darjeeling Oolong selection has many fine points to consider. Prominent honey notes bring a richness to the light golden cup, harmonizing with hints of melon and a vegetal whisper. The crisp finish balances with a pleasantly sweet aftertaste that lingers on the palate. A truly delightful cup.

Nestled along the southeastern slopes of the Himalayas, the Selimbong Estate flourishes at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 feet. This 2025 second flush selection offers a rich, full-bodied cup with a pronounced muscatel flavor. Muscatel notes also emerge in the warm, toasty aroma, harmonizing with hints of apple and brown sugar. Notes of oak and nut pair gracefully with a nuance of earthy citrus, all lingering into a sweet, crisp finish.

Established in 1869, the Seeyok Estate rests at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet, near the border with Nepal. Outstanding muscatel notes, present in both the fragrance and the smooth, rich cup, set the tone in this 2025 second flush Darjeeling offering. With a light sprinkling of golden tips, the attractive, chocolate-brown leaves yield a dark amber liquor imbued with a stone fruit sweetness that accentuates hints of spice and a nutty, toasty whisper. The finish lingers with a light, sweet quality that harmonizes perfectly with a crisp, dry wine-like nuance at the very end.

An exceptional golden tip Darjeeling blend. We first introduced this tea in 1990 and it continues to be our most popular Darjeeling.

This tea is the perfect choice to enjoy with a spoonful of our Wildflower Honey.

From its inviting aroma to its rich, full-bodied cup, this blend of premium Darjeeling teas has many fine points to consider. Fruity notes join toasty/nutty hints in the dark amber liquor. The finish lingers with a gentle astringency. An excellent choice for an everyday Darjeeling.

With its smooth satisfying flavor and great value, this second flush Darjeeling tea blend is the perfect choice for your everyday cup. The bold, dark brown leaves produce a dark amber liquor with a toasty aroma, fragrant with a dried fruit sweetness and woody spice hints. A silky mouth feel complements notes of honey and warming spices, joined by a deep rich toastiness, which lingers in the finish.

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!

This organic Darjeeling green tea is a great choice for those looking for a green tea with less vegetal flavor. The aroma is fresh and delicate with sweet melon hints. The pale golden cup is light and refreshing with hints of tropical fruit and flowers, supported by a silky smooth mouth feel. The finish is crisp and lingering.

This organic Darjeeling green tea is a great choice for those looking for a green tea with less vegetal flavor. The aroma is fresh and delicate with sweet melon hints. The pale golden cup is light and refreshing with hints of tropical fruit and flowers, supported by a silky smooth mouth feel. The finish is crisp and lingering.

Located in southern India, Nilgiri produces teas similar to those of Ceylon, yet with a distinctive character. This British-style Nilgiri black tea produces a flavorful cup that is excellent with milk.

A rich, organic tea with solid body and full mouth feel. A pleasing, balanced cup with a classic Nilgiri flavor and style.

A whole-leaf, organic Nilgiri tea with vibrant aromatics, a sweet cup, and a gentle, crisp bite. Smooth yet very flavorful with medium body. Enjoyable plain or with milk.

Perched at elevations ranging 5,400 to 7,000 feet in the Nilgiri Hills of southern India, the Glendale Estate offers this distinctive black tea with long, twisted leaves that steep a beautiful amber liquor. The light toasty aroma is fragrant with hints of almond and oak, complemented by a sweet smoky whisper. The bright, lively cup refreshes with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and almond. Hints of spice bring a bittersweet nuance to the lingering finish.

From the high-altitude Glendale Estate in the Nilgiri Hills of south India, this great-value black tea produces a dark amber liquor with an inviting aroma that balances candied sweetness with hints of oak, toast, and ripe cherry. The smooth, medium-bodied cup is rich and earthy with a pronounced oak note heightened by hints of spice and citrus. This eminently drinkable tea finishes on a clean mineral note with a faint peppery undertone that lingers on the palate.

With its fresh floral aroma and complex flavor, the bright amber-gold cup of this early 2025 ‘Winter Frost’ Nilgiri black tea is the perfect way to welcome a feeling of spring. The aroma is redolent with notes of butter cookie, sweet summer corn, and spring wildflowers. A smooth mouthfeel embroiders a creaminess across the layers of flowers, honey, corn silk, and hay, complemented by a vegetal undertone. The sleek finish lingers with an enveloping sweetness. With a flavor profile very similar to a first flush Darjeeling, this outstanding selection is a staff favorite.

The Dooars region lies south of the Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling and north of the Brahmaputra River basin. This lovely 2023 offering from Putharjhora estate exhibits a lively citrus-like mouth feel and inviting tropical fruit notes, reminiscent of pineapple. A pronounced stone fruit sweetness enhances notes of corn silk in the champagne-gold cup. The finish is silky smooth and clean.

Established in 1969, the Temi Estate is the only tea garden in the Indian state of Sikkim, located north of Darjeeling. The tea is grown at 4,000 to 7,000 feet, on the slopes of Tendong Hill, in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. Threaded with a profusion of golden tips, the attractive, well-made leaves of this outstanding 2025 selection produce a rich, fruity cup with a sweet, toasty aroma. Hints of muscatel and ripe apple enhance the fragrance while complementing the mouth-filling sweetness of the dark amber liquor. Notes of ripe stone fruit combine with hints of spice and pear to linger in the smooth, clean finish. This tea was cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

This premium Assam tea produces a dark, rich cup with a characteristic malty aroma and flavor. A satisfying, crisp quality lingers in the finish. Whole-leaf or broken-leaf Assam (depending on availability) is decaffeinated with pure carbon dioxide.

The top standard of decaffeinated Darjeeling tea available, and by far the best we have cupped. Please note that even the best decaffeinated teas lose some of the flavor and complexity of their unprocessed counterparts.