Darjeeling: The Champagne of Tea
While Darjeeling Tea is a style of Black Tea, it is very special and entirely unique. Much like a fine wine from Bordeaux, Darjeeling is a protected tea growing location in West Bengal and is certified and regulated much in the same way as cheese, wine and champagne, honouring and upholding production of this beautiful tea type.
Understanding Darjeeling
Rather than only offering one or two Darjeeling Teas, we have built a comprehensive collection – including Organic Darjeeling Teas – carefully selected from distinguished tea gardens across the region, and from different seasons, to really offer you a taste of this unique terroir.
There is just so much to know and taste within this tea type – from the zingy green notes of a spring first flush, to the floral petrichor quality of a summer second flush, all the way through to the fruity sweetness of the autumn third flush. Come with us on a tasting journey through Darjeeling and find your favourite.
To deep dive into Darjeeling, be sure to read our thorough guide on our journal via the link below.
Darjeeling Flushes
The growing season in Darjeeling runs from late winter/early spring, right through into the autumn, and is defined by three ‘flushes’, each encapsulating the seasons as they progress. You will notice above that as the seasons change, Darjeeling tea leaves and infusions get richer and darker.
Choosing Darjeeling Tea
If you’re a connoisseur, our selection is a real opportunity to deep dive into the nuances between flushes, gardens and style of production. If you’re a newcomer, the added value is being able to explore Darjeeling Teas, starting with a flavour profile that suits you. Our guide above lets you know the key tasting differentiator and notes for each so you can choose something that suits your palate best.
How to Make Darjeeling Tea
When it comes to enjoying Darjeeling Tea, the best infusion is produced from loose leaf, allowing the leaves plenty of room to move around and infuse. We would recommend using a spacious tea pot such as our 500ml Luna Tea Pot, which is also made from glass so that you watch as colour and flavour seeps into the water. As Darjeeling is such a nuanced, special experience, it should be taken without milk or sugar to fully appreciate its qualities. Darjeeling Tea makes a wonderful cold brew. The cold water extracts less astringency and brings out the delicate flavours, creating a smooth, sweet and refreshing beverage for hot summer days.
Organic Darjeeling Tea
You may have wondered if you ought to choose an Organic Darjeeling Tea? The choice is yours. We have a wide selection so that everybody can enjoy this incredible tea type. We have organic options in first, second and third flush. To understand Organic Tea better, be sure to read our guide.
Darjeeling Tea & Food
Our Darjeeling Tea range is comprehensive, and each tea has its own special character and profile. We’ve put together some ideas on how to enjoy each of them with something on the side. Which do you fancy?
Darjeeling Spring Singell & Dumplings
Our Platinum Darjeeling Spring Singell First Flush is fresh with verdant-green aroma, and notes of young blossom and hay. The young flavours of this spring- picked tea pair best with soft cheeses, herbs and savoury dumplings and pastries
Darjeeling Summer Samabeong with Ginger Loaf
Our Summer Samabeong Second Flush Darjeeling Tea has a gold-orange infusion with notes of mirabelle plum, muscatel and orange blossom. Serve with fresh oranges, or simple ginger snap biscuits or loaf cake to really highlight the fruity and smooth quality of this tea.
Darjeeling Autumn Samabeong with Milk Chocolate
Our Darjeeling Autumn Samabeong Third Flush Tea has pronounced notes of blackcurrant, hazelnut and muscatel with a thick mouth-feel and lingering finish. Serve alone for savouring, or with milk chocolate or petit fours to highlight those nutty notes.