1. 30-Second Summary
Darjeeling Premium First Flush is a fresh, early-season black tea from the Darjeeling region of India. Often called the champagne of teas, first flush Darjeeling is light, floral, and brisk, sitting somewhere between a delicate black tea and a fragrant green tea in character.
2. What is Darjeeling Premium First Flush?
Darjeeling Premium First Flush is a spring-harvest black tea made from the first new growth of the tea bushes after winter dormancy. The leaves are fully oxidised but handled very gently, which preserves their bright, greenish appearance and lively aromatics.
3. Where does Darjeeling Premium First Flush come from?
This tea comes from the Darjeeling district in the foothills of the Himalayas, in India. High elevation gardens, cool nights, and misty conditions help develop the nuanced, floral and muscatel notes that make Darjeeling world-famous. Each estate and batch offers its own personality.
4. What does Darjeeling Premium First Flush taste like?
In the cup you can expect a light body with notes that may include green grape, unripe stone fruit, spring florals, and a clean, brisk finish. Tannin is present but usually feels fine and refreshing rather than heavy or drying. It is best enjoyed without milk to appreciate the delicate top notes.
5. Does Darjeeling Premium First Flush contain caffeine?
Yes. Darjeeling Premium First Flush is a black tea and contains caffeine. Because it is often brewed a little lighter, it can feel less intense than a strong breakfast blend, but it is still best treated as a moderate caffeine drink. If you are caffeine-sensitive, enjoy it earlier in the day or brew with slightly shorter infusions.
6. How to brew Darjeeling Premium First Flush (Western method)
- Tea amount: 2 to 3 grams of leaf per 240 ml / 8 fl oz of water.
- Water temperature: around 90 to 95 C (194 to 203 F).
- First infusion: 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.
- Second infusion: add 30 to 45 seconds.
Taste after the first brew and adjust. If the tea feels too sharp, reduce time or temperature. If it feels flat, increase them slightly.
7. Optional variations (iced, latte, blends)
- Iced Darjeeling First Flush: Brew a slightly stronger hot infusion, cool it, then pour over ice for a refreshing, aromatic iced tea.
- Light spritzer: Brew and chill the tea, then top with sparkling water and a twist of citrus peel.
- Blends: Most tea drinkers prefer first flush Darjeeling unblended, but you can add a very small amount of citrus peel if you enjoy a brighter profile.
8. Storage & shelf life
Store Darjeeling Premium First Flush in an airtight, opaque container away from light, heat, moisture and strong kitchen aromas. Because it leans on fresh aromatics, it is worth enjoying within 12 months for peak character, even though well-stored tea remains drinkable beyond that.
9. Similar teas you might like
If you enjoy Darjeeling Premium First Flush, you may also like Darjeeling Black Tea from later flushes, high-elevation Ceylon teas, Taiwanese high mountain oolongs, or even more structured green teas when you want something bolder.
10. Troubleshooting & common questions
Why does my Darjeeling Premium First Flush taste too sharp?
Try lowering the water temperature a little, shortening the steep time, or using slightly less leaf.
Can I add milk to Darjeeling Premium First Flush?
It is technically possible, but most people enjoy it without milk so the delicate aromatics are not masked. If you do add milk, brew the tea stronger.
Can I re-steep the leaves?
Yes. Many first flush teas will give at least a second infusion. Expect a lighter, softer second cup with a more transparent flavour profile.
