black Origin: Darjeeling, India (Himalayan foothills)

Darjeeling First Flush

First-flush Darjeeling is spring-picked and lightly oxidized: muscatel florals over a green-fringed cup.

Essential Brewing Parameters

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Water Temperature

85–90°C (185–194°F)

Do not overheat — preserve aromatics

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Steep Duration

2–3 min

Decant fully to prevent over-extraction

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Dose & Resteeps

1 tsp (3 g) · 2 steeps

Medium (~35 mg)

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Quick Steeping Timer

Keep this tab open while water heats up

About Brewing Darjeeling First Flush

First flush is the season's early pick — lightly oxidized, which is why it brews gentler than Assam despite being "black." Boiling water flattens the muscatel florals; 85–90°C keeps them. Second flush (summer) runs riper and muscatelier; autumnal flush is rounder. The estate name on the tin matters more here than any other tea — elevation and processing vary wildly.

Western Mug vs Gaiwan Sessions

The numbers above optimize for a standard Western mug (8–12 oz). If brewing Gongfu style in a gaiwan, double the leaf dose (5–7 g per 100 ml), use boiling or near-boiling water, and reduce steep times to 15–30 seconds for 6–8 distinct infusions. Read the full Gongfu breakdown →