Name that Tea!
Tea names derive from their originating regions...
India - Teas are known by the names of their districts in which they are grown and also by the names of gardens or estates. The principal teas of India are the Assams, Cachars, Sylehels, Dooars, Terais, Sikkim and Darjeeling of northern India and the Travancores and Nilgiris of southern India. In general, the dry leaf is black to brown and the cup is full-bodied, rich and malty. Darjeeling teas are the most famous of India's teas. This district is located on the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain range, at altitudes from 1,000 - 6,500 feet. The First Flush Darjeeling is plucked from March through April. Second Flush is plucked from May until mid July.
Darjeeling - This tea comes from the most romantic and interesting tea district in all of India. It grows on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, which are located on India's northern border. All of our Darjeeling is second flush picked from May until the end of July. The authentic Darjeeling tea is the product of meticulous care and supervision. Due to climatic factors and high altitudes, leaf growth is very slow, producing a flavor profile unparalleled throughout the world. The real mystic of Darjeeling tea lies in the distinct identities of each of the 65 gardens that produce it. Darjeeling ranks the highest in flavor and commands the highest prices.
Assam - The largest tea producing district in India, as well as the world, is the Assam region. The black tea produced there has become a standard for its thick, rich, and heavy liquor, and handsome tippy leaf. It is extremely useful for adding weight to any blend. All our Assams are second flush.
Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka - Still referred to as Ceylon in the tea trade, this country produces principally black or fermented teas. They are divided into high, medium, and low grown. The high grown teas are produced in the south central mountain range (5,900 - 6,500 feet) of the island and are especially noted for good strength and delicate flavor. The medium grown teas have a well made leaf and a useful liquor. The low grown teas have a well made black leaf, but a plain cup. These teas are useful but lacking in flavor.
Supreme Pekoe - This medium grown black tea has an attractive curly leaf and a good balance of body and flavor, which makes it a pleasant everyday tea.