1. 30-Second Summary
Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea is a highly prized spring-harvest black tea from the Darjeeling region of India. Light, floral, and brisk, it offers a refined alternative to heavier breakfast-style black teas and is best enjoyed without milk.
2. What is Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea?
Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea is a first flush black tea, made from the earliest new growth of the season. Plucked in spring, the leaves are carefully processed to preserve bright aromatics and a lively, wine-like character that Darjeeling is famous for.
3. Where does Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea come from?
This tea comes from tea gardens in the Darjeeling district of India, in the Himalayan foothills. Elevation, cool temperatures, and misty conditions help create its distinctive flavour profile. Each estate and lot can taste a little different, but the style is consistently elegant and refreshing.
4. What does Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea taste like?
Expect a light body with flavours such as green grape, young stone fruit, spring flowers, and a clean, brisk finish. The liquor is usually a pale gold rather than deep copper, and tannins feel fine and refreshing rather than heavy.
5. Does Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea contain caffeine?
Yes. As a black tea, Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea naturally contains caffeine. It is often brewed a little more gently, so it can feel less intense than a strong breakfast blend, but it is still best considered a moderate caffeine drink. If you are sensitive, enjoy it in the morning or early afternoon.
6. How to brew Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea (Western method)
- Tea amount: 2 to 3 grams of leaf per 240 ml / 8 fl oz of water.
- Water temperature: 90 to 95 C (194 to 203 F).
- First infusion: 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.
- Second infusion: add 30 to 45 seconds.
Taste and adjust as needed. Cooler water and shorter times keep the tea light and floral; hotter water and longer steeping make it bolder but may increase astringency.
7. Optional variations (iced, latte, blends)
- Iced Darjeeling First Flush: Brew slightly stronger, cool, then pour over ice for a crisp, aromatic cold tea.
- Sparkling tea: Chill the tea and top with sparkling water and a slice of citrus for a light spritz.
- Blends: Most people drink first flush Darjeeling unblended, but you can add a hint of citrus peel if you want a brighter, more modern profile.
8. Storage & shelf life
Store Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea in an airtight, opaque container away from light, moisture, strong odours, and heat. Because its appeal lies in fresh aromatics, it is best enjoyed within the first year after harvest.
9. Similar teas you might like
If you like Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea, you might also enjoy later flush Darjeeling Black Tea, high grown Ceylon teas, Taiwanese high mountain oolongs, or aromatic Chinese green teas when you want a slightly different texture.
10. Troubleshooting & common questions
Why does my Darjeeling Premium First Flush Tea taste too light?
Increase the leaf slightly or lengthen the steep by 30 seconds at a similar temperature.
Can I add milk or sugar?
You can, but many Darjeeling fans prefer it plain to keep the delicate flavour intact. If you do add milk, brew the tea a bit stronger.
Can I re-steep the leaves?
Yes. Most high-quality first flush teas will give at least a second infusion, sometimes a third, with each steep revealing slightly different nuances.
