Darjeeling Tea UK, the "Champagne of teas", every variety.
Bagged Darjeeling
Twinings Darjeeling, Teapigs, the convenient introduction
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Darjeeling is the most distinctive black tea in the world. Grown only in a small region of West Bengal, India, at altitudes between 600m and 2,000m, the leaf produces a cup that looks pale (almost golden-amber rather than the dark mahogany of Assam) and tastes muscatel, that is the technical wine term for Darjeeling's grape-like flavour. The first flush (March-April) is light and floral; the second flush (May-June) is fuller and the muscatel character peaks; autumn flush (October) is darker and rounder. We stock single-flush Darjeelings for proper drinkers and Darjeeling-blended teas (Twinings Darjeeling) for the everyday cup.
Common questions
What is Darjeeling tea?
Black tea grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, at high altitude (600-2,000m). The cup is pale, golden-amber, and tastes muscatel, a grape-like character that comes from the specific terroir. UK-protected designation: only tea grown in the Darjeeling district can legally be called "Darjeeling".
What is the difference between first flush and second flush?
First flush is the spring picking (March-April), with light, floral, almost green-tea-like character. Second flush is the early summer picking (May-June), where the muscatel character is at its peak, fuller body, more intense flavour. Autumn flush (October) is the darkest and roundest. First flush is the most expensive and most fragile.
Why is Darjeeling called the Champagne of teas?
Two reasons. First, the muscatel flavour really does resemble certain wines (Sauternes, Muscat). Second, Darjeeling has UK-equivalent protected designation status, only tea grown in the actual Darjeeling district can legally use the name, mirroring how only sparkling wine from the Champagne region can call itself Champagne.
Can you put milk in Darjeeling?
Most enthusiasts say no, milk dulls the muscatel character and Darjeeling is naturally lighter than other black teas, so milk overwhelms it. Twinings Darjeeling (bagged) takes milk OK because it is a blended Darjeeling-plus-other-Indian style. Single-estate first flush should always be drunk black.
How do you brew Darjeeling?
95°C (just-off boiled), not full boiling. 3 minutes for first flush, 4 minutes for second flush. 2g loose leaf per 200ml cup. Drink without milk or sugar to taste the muscatel properly.
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