Darjeeling's distinct flavours and fragrances are well known and divided into flushes according to the harvest season. There are numerous varieties of Darjeeling teas besides the well-known first and second flush. These distinct varieties of Darjeeling tea accommodate a wide range of tastes and sensations, meeting the needs of different people on different occasions. Tea connoisseurs can recognise the region’s rich flavour range and adaptability by tasting these several Darjeeling tea varieties. Every variety offers something different, showcasing the inventiveness and long history of Darjeeling tea manufacturing. Allegedly, several other speciality and handcrafted variants exist that showcase the distinct terroir and artistry of the area.
Shangrila: Silver Needles White Tea
Silver Needle Tea is among the most extravagant, luxurious, esteemed and sought-after varieties of white tea. It comes from China, namely the province of Fujian, but is currently made in other tea-growing areas as well, such as Darjeeling, India.
Renowned for its exquisite Darjeeling silver needle white tea, Karma Kettle’s Shangrila is crafted from the top two leaves and a hand-picked bud harvested in the early spring. It is among the best and most delicate white teas ever with a lovely melon flavour and a lingering aroma. Silver needles white tea is high in antioxidants and low in caffeine, making it a great cup of healthful drink. Karma Kettle’s silver needles white tea brews to a pale cup with delightful fruity and flowery scents. The taste is treated to a light, delicate tea that lingers sweetly and succulently. Whether it comes from Darjeeling or China, Silver Needle White Tea is the ultimate expression of white tea artistry. For tea enthusiasts, its subtle flavour, low processing level, and health advantages make it a valued option.
Singalila: Organic Darjeeling Green Tea
One variety of tea that is grown in Darjeeling with organic agricultural methods is called Organic Darjeeling Green tea. This promotes sustainability and environmental health because the tea is grown without the use of artificial pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Handpicked from a small Darjeeling tea estate, Singalila is Karma Kettle’s genuine single-estate green tea offering. Singalila green tea is far less harsh and has a lot more nuance and complexity than other green teas. It's perfect for a refined cup of tea that you can enjoy every day. Singalila green tea has a pale yellow body and a light to medium body since it has undergone less oxidation than black or ordinary green teas. It begins with a delightful flowery scent and ends with a subtle, sweet aftertaste.
Formosa: Darjeeling Oolong Tea
A distinctive and sophisticated tea varietal, Darjeeling oolong tea is made in the Indian state of Darjeeling. Its flavour profile is robust and nuanced, combining elements of both black and green teas. Oolong tea has more body and depth than Darjeeling green tea, but it’s lighter than Darjeeling black tea. Stone fruits, honey and occasionally a subtle astringency are typical flavour notes. Grown under the shade of Mount Kanchenjunga, a medium-sized Darjeeling tea estate produces Karma Kettle’s Formosa oolong tea. This tea has a medium body, minute astringency, and a nuanced palate with notes of fruit and soil. Oolong teas from Darjeeling are semi-fermented. When brewed, Formosa oolong tea turns a beautiful gold colour. This tea is mildly astringent and semi-oxidized, resulting in a rounded finish with traces of licorice and complex flavours.
Batasia: Darjeeling Black Tea
Known for its distinct flavour and fragrance, Darjeeling black tea is sometimes called the “Champagne of teas.” To fully appreciate the subtle tastes of Darjeeling black tea, it is best consumed without milk. Hand-selected from a small Darjeeling tea farm, Karma Kettle’s Batasia Darjeeling organic black tea is a single-estate tea. Compared to other black teas, this one is far less astringent and has a greater number of levels and subtleties. Black teas from Darjeeling have less oxidation than other black teas. The end product is a light to medium-bodied tea that tastes great any time of day and has a delightful fruity scent. It brews to a bright yellow cup with a delicate aroma, capturing the flavours of white fruits like honeydew and cantaloupe. A creamy finish properly rounds everything off. This tea is best taken without milk, sugar or honey.
Darjeeling tea has a lot to offer beyond the well-known first and second flushes. From the luxurious Silver Needle White Tea to the organic Singalila Green Tea, then the sophisticated Formosa Oolong Tea and the distinctive Batasia Black tea, each cup caters to different tastes and preferences. Darjeeling teas showcases an amazing variety of flavours and expertly crafted teas to explore and enjoy for tea enthusiasts. These teas are special because of their subtle flavours, health benefits and unique taste. Experience the delight of Darjeeling teas and understand why this region is one of the best places in the world for tea.