Darjeeling

Tasting Experience

Delicate and aromatic with a distinctive muscatel grape character, floral notes, and a bright, clean finish. Light-bodied and elegant — a tea that reveals itself slowly.

Flavour Profile

• Flavour: Muscatel, floral, light fruit
• Body: Light, delicate
• Acidity: Bright, crisp
• Finish: Clean, lingering, aromatic

Origin & Craft

• Tea Type: Black tea (first flush)
• Origin: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India — Himalayan foothills, 2,000m elevation
• Character: Delicate, muscatel, floral
• Processing: Lightly oxidised — closer to an oolong than a full black tea
• Best enjoyed: Mid-morning, afternoon, always black

Darjeeling grows in the mist-covered foothills of the Himalayas, where cool temperatures and high altitude slow the growth of the tea plant and concentrate its flavour. The first flush — the earliest harvest of the year — produces the most delicate, aromatic leaves. It's called the champagne of teas for good reason.

Brew Guide

• Amount: 1 tsp (2g) per 200ml
• Water temperature: 85–90°C (not fully boiling — preserves the delicate character)
• Steep time: 3–4 minutes
• Method: Loose leaf in an infuser or teapot
• Serve: Always black — milk will overwhelm the delicate flavour

Darjeeling is one of the few black teas that genuinely benefits from slightly cooler water. Boiling water can flatten the muscatel notes — let the kettle rest for a minute before pouring.

FAQs

Why is Darjeeling called the champagne of teas?

Like champagne, true Darjeeling can only come from one specific region — the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The unique terroir, altitude, and climate produce a flavour that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Should I add milk?

No — milk will mask the delicate muscatel and floral notes that make Darjeeling special. Drink it black to appreciate its full character.

What is muscatel character?

Muscatel is a distinctive grape-like, slightly spiced aroma and flavour that develops in Darjeeling leaves when they're bitten by a small leafhopper insect during growth. The plant's response to the bite creates a unique chemical compound — it's one of tea's most prized and unusual flavour notes.

Delivery & Returns

• Freshly packed to order
• Free UK delivery on orders over £25
• Standard UK delivery: 2–4 working days
• International delivery not yet available
• Due to the perishable nature of tea, we cannot accept returns on opened products. If something arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us and we'll make it right.