- Harvest: Spring 2022
- Oxidation: 50-70%
- Grade: FTGFOP1
- Farming: Organic
Established in 1885 as Sidrabong, the Arya Tea Estate was founded by Buddhist monks who developed and cultivated different varieties of Chinese tea seeds. Covering wide-range areas with altitudes of 1820 meters down to 900 meters, this beautiful and prolific estate produces 70 tons of tea annually and 50 tons as organic. This Darjeeling first Flush is produced all year round and highly-prized by both tea experts and tourists.
Considered as the Champagne of Indian Teas, Arya Estate’s FTGFOP1 (Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, Grade 1) is distinctively musky, but delicate and sweet with crisp flavors of tropical fruits. The leaves and buds are green with silver tips, and when brewed, they are tender and green while the tea itself develops a light orange hue. It is typically brewed at a lower temperature and for a shorter period to bring out the delicate flavors and aromas. It is often enjoyed without milk or sugar so as to fully appreciate its nuanced taste. First Flush means that the tea is harvested in the spring, usually in late March or early April.
In 2022 when our usual favorite, Jungpana Upper Darjeeling, plummeted in quality due to unfavorable weather conditions, we set out to find an equal if not better replacement. After 2 weeks of testing and tasting many varieties of first flush darjeeling, our staff and customers had their picks of top 4 favorites. Arya, Ringtong, Singbulli, and Temi Estate were tasted again and resulted in Arya as the best of all. Just to be sure, we waited another few days and blind taste tested another round. Each time, Arya came back as the clear winner.
Read more at Teance Stories Blog
- 5g or 1.25 Tbsp | 8oz. @ 195˚F | 45 seconds
- May be re-steeped multiple times.
- Use a porcelain or glass teapot.
- Drain completely and serve.
