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Darjeeling is a tea which was grown in the Darjeeling district, located in the West Bengal state of India.
The unique geographic and climatic conditions of the region contribute to the unique taste of Darjeeling tea.
This region’s teas are famous for their distinct muscatel flavor and are often described as having a “musky sweetness”.
In contrast to, say, breakfast teas, Darjeeling tea is best enjoyed plain or perhaps with a little bit of lemon or sugar to highlight its distinct flavor. Adding milk can often overwhelm its delicate taste.
Taking that into account, let’s take a look at some of the best Darjeeling tea brands of the year.
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Taylors of Harrogate, Afternoon Darjeeling Tea
Taylors of Harrogate is a well-established British tea and coffee company.
Their Afternoon Darjeeling tea is harvested from the second flush, which is the summer harvest, of tea leaves.
When compared to the first flush, this tea is considered to have a more mature and robust flavor.
Features:
- From Taylors of Harrogate, a family-owned company from Yorkshire, England.
- An aromatic Darjeeling tea, with a pronounced floral flavor.
- This tea is packaged in teabags for convenience and ease of use.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylors of Harrogate Afternoon Darjeeling, 50 Teabags |
$7.89 | Buy on Amazon |
Ahmad Tea, Darjeeling Tea
Ahmad Tea is a British tea company with a long history, and their Darjeeling tea is is generally well-regarded.
This blend tends to be light and delicate, with a somewhat floral aroma, but without any harsh or overpowering flavor notes.
Features:
- From Ahmad Tea, a British tea company with a long history.
- A well-balanced Darjeeling tea, without any harsh or overpowering flavor notes.
- Sold in loose-leaf form.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmad Tea Black Tea, Darjeeling Tea Loose Leaf, Metal Tin, 100g – Caffeinated and Sugar-Free |
$8.53 | Buy on Amazon |
The Tao of Tea, First Flush Darjeeling Tea
The Tao of Tea is another company that specializes in sourcing artisanal teas from around the world. They place a great emphasis on the art and culture of tea, and strive to present their teas in a way that honors its history.
The Tao of Tea’s First Flush Darjeeling Tea is a great example of a first flush Darjeeling tea. As the name implies, it’s made from the first pickings of the tea plant, which is typically in mid-March, following spring rains. These “first flush” teas are known for their lively brightness, fresh aroma, and delicate, floral flavors that are quite different from the more robust and full-bodied characteristics of “second flush” Darjeeling teas which are harvested later in the year.
Features:
- From The Tao of Tea, a popular company that sources artisanal teas from around the world.
- A first flush Darjeeling tea, with a fresh, and lively aroma.
- Sold in loose-leaf form.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Tao of Tea, First Flush Darjeeling Black Tea, Loose Leaf, 3.5 Ounce Tin | Buy on Amazon |
Fortnum and Mason, Darjeeling Tea
Fortnum & Mason is a well-respected British company, famous for its department store in central London.
They have been in business for over 300 years and have built a strong reputation for their quality products.
This Darjeeling has a delicate, yet subtly complex flavor, with pronounced floral notes and a hint of muscatel.
We consider this to be a great choice and a legitimate representation of Darjeeling tea.
Features:
- From Fortnum & Mason, a British company who is famous for its department store in central London.
- A delicate, yet subtly complex flavor, with pronounced floral notes and a hint of muscatel.
- Sold in loose-leaf form.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnum and Mason British Tea, Darjeeling Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe 125g Loose Tea in… |
$41.89 | Buy on Amazon |
Vahdam, Darjeeling Spring Tea
Vahdam Teas is an Indian tea brand known for offering a wide variety of high-quality, single-origin Indian teas. They source their teas directly from hundreds of tea plantations across India, including the esteemed tea estates of Darjeeling.
Vahdam’s Darjeeling Spring Tea is made from the first flush of tea leaves, harvested in the spring. This type of tea is highly prized for its delicate, floral, and slightly grassy flavor profile. It is known for having a light body and bright clarity, and often has a hint of sweetness and a gentle astringency.
Features:
- From Vahdam, an Indian tea brand known for their wide variety of single-origin teas.
- Made from the first flush of tea leaves, harvested in the spring.
- This tea is packaged in teabags for convenience and ease of use.
