1. 30-Second Summary
Darjeeling Second Flush Tea is a later-season black tea from the Darjeeling region in India, known for its richer body and signature muscatel character. It sits between light, floral first flush teas and robust breakfast blends, making it a versatile choice for both thoughtful tasting and everyday drinking.
2. What is Darjeeling Second Flush Tea?
Darjeeling Second Flush Tea is a summer-harvest black tea, picked later in the season when the leaves develop deeper colour and more pronounced flavour. It is fully oxidised and processed to enhance its muscatel notes – often described as grape-like, fruity, and slightly winey.
3. Where does Darjeeling Second Flush Tea come from?
This tea is grown in the Darjeeling district in the Himalayan foothills of India. Elevation, cool nights, and misty mornings influence how the leaves develop. Different estates and even different sections of the same garden can produce slightly different expressions of second flush, ranging from fruity and sweet to more structured and brisk.
4. What does Darjeeling Second Flush Tea taste like?
Expect a medium body with notes like muscat grape, ripe stone fruit, gentle spice, and a clean, slightly dry finish. Compared with first flush, second flush feels rounder and more mature, while still being more nuanced and aromatic than many everyday black teas.
5. Does Darjeeling Second Flush Tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Darjeeling Second Flush Tea is a black tea and naturally contains caffeine. Brew strength, leaf quantity, and steep time all influence how energising it feels, but it is generally best treated as a moderate caffeine beverage. If you are sensitive, consider shorter infusions or enjoying it earlier in the day.
6. How to brew Darjeeling Second Flush Tea (Western method)
- Tea amount: 2 to 3 grams of leaf per 240 ml / 8 fl oz of water.
- Water temperature: 93 to 100 C (200 to 212 F).
- First infusion: 3 to 4 minutes.
- Second infusion: add 30 to 60 seconds.
Taste your first cup and adjust. For more body, increase the steep slightly; for a gentler profile, shorten the time or reduce the leaf.
7. Optional variations (iced, latte, blends)
- Iced Darjeeling Second Flush: Brew stronger than usual, cool, then pour over ice to highlight its fruit and muscatel notes.
- Tea latte: Brew a firm, strong cup and top with milk or a plant-based alternative for a richer, dessert-like experience.
- Blends: Darjeeling second flush pairs nicely with a touch of citrus peel or complementary black teas if you enjoy custom breakfast blends.
8. Storage & shelf life
Store Darjeeling Second Flush Tea in an airtight, opaque container away from light, heat, and strong odours. When stored well, it remains enjoyable for 12 to 24 months, though many tea drinkers prefer to finish it within a year to keep the flavour vivid.
9. Similar teas you might like
If you enjoy Darjeeling Second Flush Tea, you may also like single-origin Ceylon teas, Yunnan Gold Black Tea, nilgiri or Assam single-estate teas, or even certain oolongs when you want to explore different textures.
10. Troubleshooting & common questions
Why is my Darjeeling Second Flush Tea too astringent?
Try shortening the brewing time, lowering the water temperature, or using slightly less leaf.
Can I drink Darjeeling Second Flush Tea with milk?
Yes. Many people enjoy it both plain and with a splash of milk. If adding milk, brew the tea slightly stronger.
Can I re-steep Darjeeling Second Flush Tea?
Yes. Good quality leaf often gives at least one more enjoyable infusion, with the second steep showing a softer, rounder side of the tea.
