Darjeeling the Champagne of Teas

Just like Champagne nothing is worse than a poor Darjeeling. This is the reason we tend to follow a few reliable and exceptional estates. Obviously, we do make the odd exception if we find a remarkable tea elsewhere.
Our current favourite Estates, in alphabetical order are Badamtan, Castleton, Gopaldhra, Makaibari, Margaret's Hope, Okayti, Puttabong, Rohini, Tumsong. These are to be found over all the flushes, including Mid-Season and Autumnal.
Our choice for the First Flush 2009, is Giddapahar, a super greenish tea with lots of grassy flavour.
The Flushes (Harvests)
1st Flush is harvested in mid-March following spring rains, and has a gentle, very light colour, aroma, and mild astringency.
2nd Flush: The production of the world renowned “summer tea” is produced from the month of May. The Second Flush results from the luscious, moist and juicy leaves characterized by very enticing facade with a turquoise, purplish bloom and a touch of shimmering shiny apex (buds). The infused leaves are more vivid in its colour and appearance than that of spring. It is characterized by mature and a mellow brew. It is during this period that the famous "Muscatel" flavour becomes pronounced. This period expresses a full bodied aroma with its infused leaves of bright copper or purplish tinge.
Mid Flush: Harvested between 2nd Flush and the Autumnal tea, the leaves are less withered thus more oxidised. If well-chosen (ours are) they represent excellent value for money.
Autumnal Flush: In the months of October and November the “Autumnal quality” makes its prominence felt. The liquor imparts a delicate, yet a silvery and glimmering character and the appearance lends a light brownish tinge or gentle copper glow. This tea has a delightfully distinct feature and taste completely differs from that of Spring and the Summer Flush. The infused tea has a golden coppery hue with an aromatic and fresh fragrance.
I look forward to your early visit.

Life is too short to....

"Life is too short to drink bad tea or dance with ugly men" We can't offer you any handsome men but our teas are fabulous!

We're taking over the world - well France

Plus de 100 thés choisis avec soin et passion. Un grand merci à nos nouveaux clients et amis en France.

Flavoured Green and Oolong Teas

Our collection of naturally flavoured green and oolong teas has become really popular. It's a small collection of just 6 teas. The extraordinary feature of this range is that it attracts more repeat orders than any of our other teas. Some 70% of customers come back for more or try another flavoured tea. They are all well-priced between £2.50-£3.00per 100g. I'm hoping to add a lavender flavoured oolong as soon as I've approved the sample. Please let me know whether you'd like me to seek out other flavours.

"Tea is a remedy for the ills of a distracted life"

You have only to sip one of our delightful Chinese green teas to verify this statement. Visit soon.

Fabulous Ceylon Teas

The Fabulous Teas of Ceylon – A great collection to be found at www.highteas.co.uk Ceylon tea is tea that is grown in Sri Lanka (which was known as Ceylon before 1972). The black tea has a crisp aroma reminiscent of citrus, and is used both unmixed and in blends. It is grown on numerous estates, which vary in altitude and taste. Ceylon is renowned for its high-quality teas and as Sri Lanka is the 3rd biggest tea producing country. Ceylon tea is divided into three groups: High or Upcountry (Adawatte), Mid country (Medawatte), and Low country (Yatawatte) tea, based on the geography of the land on which it is grown. The plantations started by the British were initially taken over by the government in the 1960s but have since been privatized and are now run by 'plantation companies' which own a few 'estates' or tea plantations. The two top grades of whole leaf teas are OP (Orange Pekoe) and Pekoe with shorter leaves and a darker liquor. We’ve just upgraded our list.

Decaffeinated Teas

Tasting some decaff leaf teas this afternoon - English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Ceylon OP. If they're any good they'll be on the list soon.