Nestled in India’s Mahabharata Mountain Range (aka the ‘lesser Himalayas’), Darjeeling is a very special tea region. At around 2,000 metres (m) altitude, Darjeeling’s hilly tea gardens only produce tea in specific seasons, each with its own character.

Our Tea Masters blend Darjeeling teas from different seasons. The first flush (harvest) is picked in the springtime when the young leaves have a fresh, floral character. This is then balanced with teas from the second flush, picked in early summer. By now the leaves are more mature, giving the brew its richer notes, often said to resemble Muscat grapes.

Bright and golden in the cup, our Darjeeling has a refreshingly brisk taste with a fine balance of flavours. While the tea is lovely at any time of the day, we love it in the afternoons, served without milk. Try brewing it medium-strong to release all the tea’s fragrances and crisp finish.

We’re honoured that our Darjeeling tea picked up a Great Taste Award in 2018. The world’s most coveted food and drink award, Great Taste judges praised our Darjeeling for its “bright and distinct flavours” and a “long-lasting Darjeeling character”. The box shows William Marlow’s 1788 painting “Blackfriars Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral”. This illustrates Central London and the Thames – the river that connected Britain to the rest of the world – and as such, we think it sums up our Darjeeling nicely.

Awarded 1 Star at the 2018 Great Taste Awards.

Black tea

Origin*: Darjeeling

*Please note, subject to change due to seasonal variations.