| Country of Origin | Sri Lanka, India | | Region | Dimbula, Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri | | Shipping Port | Colombo, Calcutta, Cochin | | Grade | OP (Orange Pekoe) | | Altitude | 1500 ft, 6400 ft above sea level | | Manufacture Type | Orthodox | | Cup Characteristics | Piquant flavor from tea estates in South India and Ceylon is superbly combined with malty Assam and toasty Darjeeling | | Infusion | Bright and coppery with a rich flavor and smooth finish. | These four teas blend perfectly to make a fabulous cup with rich malty notes, slight muscatel undertones, and a smooth finish. This blend is perfect for a mid-afternoon break or paired with a tea sandwich and cookie. The Dimbula district of Sri Lanka peaks in quality during the Northeast monsoons during January and February. As the northeast monsoon winds blow across the Bay of Bengal they become warmer and pick-up moisture during the 1500 mile journey to Sri Lanka. As the warm moist air rises into the cool mountain air condensation occurs and there is heavy rainfall on the eastern side of the island. The Western side gets very little rain but lots of sunshine. Dimbula is on the west side of the island and consequently being in the rain shadow the quality improves dramatically - cool, dry and bright sunshine.
What gives Assam tea its special characteristics? The Assam valley is dominated by the Brahmaputra River - a large slowly meandering river which over millennia of spring and fall flooding has deposited a rich loam over the valley. The soil is deep and sandy and the region suffers a very hot and steamy monsoon season, but equally important is a relatively dry and cool winter. Perfect conditions for the Assam tea bush.
Because Darjeeling tea is grown at such high altitudes and in relatively cool weather the bushes do not grow quickly, and as such the production is limited. The best time of the year for quality is during second-flush (end May - end June). During this time, Darjeeling teas are incomparable to any other tea in the world. The fragrance and taste is a complex bouquet that reaches right out of the cup. The climate of the Nilgiris allows tea to be produced all year round. The first flushes of the new season are picked from April until May and account for about 25% of the region s total harvest. The 2nd flush - accounting for about 40-45% of the yearly crop is from Sept. to Nov. and lastly the third flush is from Dec. to Jan. The best teas are produced during January and August. |
My favorite tea.