Darjeeling Castleton Estate Autumnal Tea

This rare Autumnal Flush Tea comes from the famous district of Darjeeling. While many connoisseurs choose First Flush and sometimes Second Flush Darjeeling Teas, this indulgent beverage has many tempting qualities worth considering. Indeed, it may not be a First Flush Tea, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s first class in terms of its extraordinary taste. Why not find out for yourself with our Darjeeling Castleton Estate Autumnal Tea today?

But what exactly makes it so special? For starters, it comes from one of the most renowned Tea Estates of the Darjeeling district. It also has fragrant flowery notes with traditional muscatel undertones similar to the taste of First Flush Tea. Furthermore, when consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, it can offer Black Tea benefits.

According to the latest research, Black Teas like this one can promote health and wellbeing in a variety of ways. What more could you want from your morning cuppa’?

Darjeeling Castleton Tea Estate

This estate, established in 1885 by Dr Charles Graham, finds itself at an altitude from 980 metres to 2,300 metres above sea level. It spans along the hilly slopes of Kurseong and Pankhabari, with a planted area of around 170 hectares of Tea. Castleton produces approximately 30,000 kilograms of quality Darjeeling Tea a year. These Teas most often have a distinct muscatel flavour that is quintessentially ‘Darjeeling’.

Brief Darjeeling Tea History

The history of Tea in the Darjeeling district of India began almost 200 years ago. A Scotsman named Robert Fortune famously ‘smuggled’ Tea seeds from China in the employment of the British East India Company to help build up an Indian Tea industry. In 1866, the district had 39 plantations growing Tea over 1,000 acres of land.

It produced 133,000 lbs of Darjeeling Tea a year, which increased dramatically by the early 20th Century. In 1947, when India rightfully became independent from Britain, ownership of most Tea gardens transferred to Indian entrepreneurs.

Have you ever heard Darjeeling Tea referred to as “The Champagne of Tea”? This name is twofold. First, like Tequila from the Tequila region of Mexico and indeed Champagne from the Champagne region of France, Tea classified as “Darjeeling” must only grow in the Darjeeling region of India.

The use of the term “Champagne”, in particular, has connotations of exceptional quality. This is indeed the case of all Darjeeling Teas including Darjeeling Castleton Estate Autumnal Tea.

Darjeeling Region in India

But despite its prestige, only 1% of India’s total Tea output comes from Darjeeling. In many ways, this contributes to the popularity of relatively rare Darjeeling Tea. The region stretches between high ridges and deep valleys.

Indeed, the challenging terrain of Darjeeling has a part to play in the low percentage of Indian Tea coming from its difficult yet beautiful landscape. Arguably most fascinating of all, Darjeeling holds a secret: many of the Tea plants found here are not Indian varieties but Chinese varieties. Some have even ‘cross-bred’ to become China-India hybrids!

Useful Information

Type of Tea: Orthodox Leaf Black Tea.

Origin: The Castleton Tea Estate, Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: This Tea tastes best served as it is. Some, however, choose to add optional extras such as honey, lemon, milk or sugar.

Tasting Notes: This Tea has flavours reminiscent of a First Flush with defined muscatel notes and floral undertones.

Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, light in tone.

Health Benefits of Darjeeling Castleton Estate Autumnal Tea

Losing weight can be tricky. There is no easy answer, no “fix-all” solution. However, Black Tea benefits can help you along the way. Darjeeling Castleton Estate Autumnal Tea contains no more than 1-2 calories per 8 oz serving. Compare that to a sugary soft drink, and one has an excellent (and healthy!) alternative.

Furthermore, Black Teas like this one can boost the metabolism of fat cells. This enables the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently. Nevertheless, one should continue to exercise frequently and eat healthily alongside their cup of Black Tea.