First Flush Darjeeling Selimbong 2017

This year’s spring harvest from the Selimbong estate has everything you could want from a premium grade, first flush Darjeeling. This tea has a fresh, floral aroma, and a flavor that carries light mineral notes, hints of grape and a pleasant astringency. Like a dry white wine, the liquor is crisp and clear- a standout tea from a world-renowned producer.

The Selimbong estate in Darjeeling is one of the finest tea producers in the region, having produced exceptional teas since 1995 when it was taken over by the TPI (Tea Promoters India) group. Also known as Sulbong, which translates as “Land of Orange Trees”, the estate sits in the spectacular Rongbong Valley, where the tea bushes enjoy a high altitude (between 750-1500m). In this region, the cool air and high moisture levels cause the leaves to grow slowly, developing their complex flavours and characteristics.
One thing that sets Selimbong aside from many other tea estates in the region is the Biodynamic farming techniques used. The estate is self-sufficient and promotes ecological diversity in the area. The farmers use herbal soil treatments rather than artificial solutions, and follow an astronomical calendar to plan their planting, cultivating and harvest times. All of these methods help to keep the Selimbong estate low-impact, working in harmony with nature and the surrounding plants and wildlife. In fact it’s not uncommon to come across rabbits, deer or armadillo trotting amongst the bushes.