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ARIEL Darjeeling Thurbo

Black Tea

A single-estate Darjeeling black tea from Thurbo Tea Estate in the Mirik Valley, graded FTGFOP – one of the highest leaf classifications in the Darjeeling system. Available in 100 g loose leaf tins for shelf programs and in 1 kg loose leaf bulk for foodservice operations running by the cup. Distinct from a morning service blend like English Breakfast: lighter in body, brighter in character, and traditionally served on its own without milk – a refined afternoon or all-day position on a tea menu that recognises the difference.

Tasting Notes

The cup pours a clear amber-gold with a delicate floral aroma at the front. The character is light and bright – the muscatel note that defines quality Darjeeling sits in the background, with a soft fruity sweetness and a long, clean finish. Lower body and astringency than a typical Indian black tea; more in common with a quality Chinese black tea than with an Assam or Kenyan. Best served on its own; milk would mask the cup's defining character.

Origin

Darjeeling is a small, geographically protected region in West Bengal, India, sitting at 600–2000 m elevation in the foothills of the Himalayas. The combination of altitude, climate, and Chinese-origin tea cultivars (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, distinct from the Indian Assamica varietal) gives Darjeeling its distinct lighter-bodied character. Thurbo Tea Estate, established 1864, sits in the Mirik Valley in the lower Darjeeling region and is among the well-regarded estates of the area. The FTGFOP grade – Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe – signals a high proportion of golden-coloured young buds in the leaf, the appearance marker of premium Darjeeling production.

Brewing

Steep 2.5 g per 250 ml at 95 °C for 3 minutes. Black tea is the most heat-tolerant of the true teas; full boil works well, though some operators prefer a slightly shorter steep with Darjeeling to preserve the brighter top notes. At commercial scale, a 1 kg bag yields approximately 400 portions at 2.5 g per cup. Each 250 ml serving contains zero calories.