Country of Origin: India
Region: Darjeeling
Grade: FTGFOP (Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe)
Altitude: 4200 – 6300 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: Wonderful muscatel highlights with delicate strength – the hallmark of a premium 2nd
flush Darjeeling.
Infusion: Tends light liquoring with subtle astringency and classic muscatel character.
Ingredients: Luxury black tea
2nd flush Darjeelings are typified as being more complex and fuller in the cup than the 1st Flush varieties, which tend to be a little greener and lighter. Darjeelings are considered among the rarest and most prestigious of the black teas. The best grades are the whole leaf types with lots of ‘tip’. This tea is the grade F.T.G.F.O.P. (finest tippy golden flowery orange pekoe) and is in the upper 10 percentile of Castleton’s quality.
The estate is near the town of Kurseong in the Darjeeling district of northern India. Castleton is one of the top estates in Darjeeling and consistently produces top teas – and not surprisingly obtains the top prices. The major method of transportation to Darjeeling is road (very treacherous) and a narrow gauge railway. In world terms the railway is almost considered a toy railroad system. The narrow gauge does not support large engines or carriages; also the steep inclines necessitate a cog system to prevent to trains from rolling backwards. Despite all the difficulties that must be contended with, the area produces the ‘Champagne of Tea’.