30-Second Summary
- What it is: Dooars black tea is grown in the fertile foothills of the eastern Himalayas, producing brisk, bright, everyday black tea.
- Flavour: Clean, lively, malty and lightly woody with a straightforward finish.
- Caffeine: Medium–high, ideal for morning or afternoon drinking.
- Best for: Milk tea, blends, daily drinking, and anyone who enjoys a simple, robust black tea.
What is Dooars Black Tea?
Dooars black tea comes from the Dooars region in India, stretching between the plains of Assam and the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The area’s humid climate, abundant rainfall and fertile soil create ideal conditions for producing strong, brisk black tea. Unlike Assam, which leans malty and heavy, Dooars offers a brighter, more straightforward cup that works extremely well for everyday drinking and mass-market blends.
Tea production in the Dooars region largely focuses on CTC (Crush–Tear–Curl) processing, designed to create strong, quick-brewing leaf suitable for milk tea and commercial blends. However, some gardens also produce orthodox teas that highlight more nuanced flavours and aromas.
Where Does Dooars Black Tea Come From?
The Dooars stretch across northern West Bengal, bordered by Bhutan to the north and Assam to the east. Tea gardens here sit between 100 and 1,000 metres in elevation—lower than Darjeeling or Nuwara Eliya, but with rich alluvial soil that creates distinctive flavour.
- Region: Dooars, northern West Bengal, India.
- Altitude: Low–mid grown (100–1,000m).
- Climate: Warm, humid, and rainy, ideal for producing brisk teas.
- Leaf style: Mostly CTC with some orthodox variations.
What Does Dooars Black Tea Taste Like?
Dooars tea is known for its clean, reliable flavour profile. It is rarely overly complex, but offers a lively and refreshing cup.
- Aroma: Malty, lightly woody, sometimes with hints of dried grass or grain.
- Taste: Straightforward, brisk, with a gentle sweetness and mild tannin.
- Body: Medium to full, depending on grade.
- Aftertaste: Clean, lightly drying, with a simple finish.
Does Dooars Black Tea Have a Lot of Caffeine?
Like most fully oxidised Indian black teas, Dooars offers a medium–high caffeine level. It’s a good choice for morning tea or mid-day energy.
- Shorter steeps will moderate the caffeine effect.
- Broken-leaf or CTC versions brew stronger and more quickly.
Types & Grades of Dooars Tea
- CTC grades: Strong, quick-brewing, great with milk.
- Orthodox whole leaf: Milder, more nuanced cups with cleaner finish.
- Blended teas: Often used in Indian breakfast blends or with Assam.
How to Brew Dooars Black Tea (Everyday Method)
- Use 2–3 g of tea per 250 ml water.
- Heat water to 95–100°C.
- Steep for 3–4 minutes.
- Add milk or sweetener if desired.
CTC versions brew quickly and pair well with milk, while orthodox teas can be enjoyed plain.
Iced & Cold Brew Dooars Tea
- Add 8–10 g tea to 1 litre cold water.
- Refrigerate for 8–10 hours.
- Strain and serve over ice with lemon or mint.
Troubleshooting
The tea tastes too strong
- Shorten the brew time by 30 seconds.
- Use slightly cooler water (~90–95°C).
The flavour is too light
- Increase the leaf to 3 g per cup.
- Steep the full 4 minutes.
How to Choose a Good Dooars Tea
- Look for fresh CTC for strong milk tea.
- Choose orthodox styles for smoother flavour.
- Higher grade teas give more clarity and aroma.
Food Pairings & When to Drink
- Pairs with biscuits, toast, and savoury snacks.
- Excellent as an all-day drinking tea.
Modern Drinks
- Dooars tea latte with honey.
- Iced Dooars with lemon.
- Dooars spritzer with soda water.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container away from sunlight.
- Best enjoyed within 12–18 months.
Similar Teas
- Assam Black Tea
- CTC Indian Breakfast Tea
- Nilgiri Black Tea
FAQ
Is Dooars tea good with milk?
Yes—especially CTC grades.
Is Dooars tea strong?
It is brisk and medium-strong, suitable for daily drinking.
Can I re-steep it?
Orthodox teas can be re-steeped once; CTC usually cannot.
About This Guide
This guide provides a complete overview of Dooars black tea—its origin, taste, brewing methods and uses—to help you enjoy this reliable everyday Indian tea.
