The Magic of Darjeeling First Flush: Why This Tea is So Exceptional

Darjeeling first flush tea is one of the most popular and highly prized teas in the world, and the first flush is considered by many to be the most special of all. 

Here are some reasons why Darjeeling first flush is so special:

• Unique Flavor: The flavor of Darjeeling first flush is unlike any other tea. It is known for its delicate, floral aroma, light body, and complex, fruity flavor with a subtle astringency. The first flush tea leaves are tender and have a delicate, bright-green appearance, which contributes to the unique flavor.
• Limited Production: The first flush tea season in Darjeeling is short, lasting only a few weeks in the spring, usually from late March to early April. This makes the production of first flush tea limited and highly sought after.
• High Altitude: Darjeeling tea is grown at high altitudes, usually between 3,000 and 7,000 feet above sea level. The cool temperatures and unique terroir of the region contribute to the distinctive flavor of Darjeeling tea.
• Hand-picked: Darjeeling first flush tea is hand-picked by skilled workers, who select only the tender, new leaves and buds. This careful selection process ensures that only the best quality leaves are used, resulting in a superior tea.
• Tradition and Culture: Darjeeling tea has a rich history and culture, dating back to the mid-19th century. The tea is an important part of the local economy and is deeply ingrained in the culture of the region.

Snow View Tea Estate

Every year we offer Darjeeling from two estates. The first one for this year's Darjeeling 2023 harvest comes from Snow View Tea Estate, which is a renowned tea estate located in the picturesque town of Darjeeling in West Bengal, India.

• High Altitude: Snow View Tea Estate is located at a high altitude, which means the tea plants grow at a slower rate and have more time to develop complex flavors. The cool temperatures and unique terroir of the region contribute to the distinctive flavor of Snow View Tea Estate Darjeeling tea.
• Hand-picked: The tea leaves are carefully hand-picked by skilled workers, who select only the tender, new leaves and buds. This careful selection process ensures that only the best quality leaves are used, resulting in a superior tea.
• Unique Flavor: Snow View Tea Estate Darjeeling tea is known for its delicate, floral aroma, light body, and complex, fruity flavor with a subtle astringency. The first flush tea leaves are tender and have a delicate, bright-green appearance, which contributes to the unique flavor.
• Sustainable Practices: Snow View Tea Estate is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. They use organic fertilizers and avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which results in a healthier and more natural tea product. 
• Rich History: Snow View Tea Estate has a rich history, dating back to the 1940s when it was founded by the late M.N. Saria. Today, the estate is still run by the Saria family and is known for producing some of the finest Darjeeling teas in the region.

Giddhapahar Tea Estate

The second estate's harvest has not yet arrived at the tearoom. It will arrive by the end of April. Giddapahar Tea Estate is a small but highly regarded tea estate located in Darjeeling, India. The estate is situated at an altitude of 4,500 to 5,000 feet above sea level and covers an area of just 110 hectares. Despite its small size, Giddapahar Tea Estate is known for producing some of the finest Darjeeling teas, which are highly prized by tea enthusiasts around the world.

• Unique Flavor: Giddapahar Tea Estate Darjeeling tea is known for its unique flavor profile, which is characterized by a delicate floral aroma, a fruity flavor with a hint of musk, and a slight astringency. The tea leaves are hand-picked and processed with great care, which contributes to the distinct flavor of Giddapahar tea.
• High Altitude: The tea bushes at Giddapahar Tea Estate grow at a high altitude, which means that the leaves grow at a slower rate and have more time to develop complex flavors. The cool temperatures and unique terroir of the region contribute to the distinctive flavor of Giddapahar tea.
• Small Batch Production: Giddapahar Tea Estate produces tea in small batches, which allows for greater quality control and a more consistent product. The tea is carefully handcrafted and processed using traditional methods, which ensures that only the highest quality leaves are used.
• Sustainability: Giddapahar Tea Estate is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. They use organic fertilizers and avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which results in a healthier and more natural tea product.
• Rich History: Giddapahar Tea Estate has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s when it was first established. Today, the estate is still run by the same family and is known for producing some of the finest Darjeeling teas in the region.

In Conclusion

Darjeeling first flush tea is considered special due to its unique flavor, limited production, high altitude growing conditions, hand-picking, and rich history and culture. It is a tea that is highly prized by tea enthusiasts around the world, and is a must-try for anyone interested in experiencing the best that tea has to offer.