{"title":"Darjeeling tea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore Darjeeling tea from t leaf T, including first flush blends and premium estate teas from Castleton, Makaibari, Margaret's Hope and Steinthal.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDarjeeling tea is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its bright character, floral aroma and distinctive muscatel notes. This collection brings together elegant first flush and fuller second flush teas, including organic estate teas for both everyday enjoyment and deeper exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eExplore Darjeeling tea styles\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst flush Darjeeling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/darjeeling-first-flush-blend\"\u003eDarjeeling First Flush Blend\u003c\/a\u003e brings together high-grade spring teas with a light, floral character and gentle muscatel sweetness. For a single-estate expression, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/margaret-s-hope-ftgfop1-ff\"\u003eMargaret's Hope FTGFOP1 First Flush\u003c\/a\u003e, a refined and aromatic tea with a pale golden liquor, fresh floral notes and a brisk finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSecond flush estate teas\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/castleton-tgfop1\"\u003eCastleton TGFOP1\u003c\/a\u003e is a prestigious second flush tea from the renowned Castleton Estate, with classic muscatel character, delicate floral notes and a rich amber liquor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/makaibari-ftgfop1-s-organic\"\u003eMakaibari FTGFOP1 Organic\u003c\/a\u003e is a biodynamically cultivated second flush Darjeeling with muscatel richness, floral top notes and gentle peach character. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/steinthal-sftgfop1-organic\"\u003eSteinthal SFTGFOP1 Organic\u003c\/a\u003e offers a rich amber-gold cup with pronounced muscatel fruitiness, creamy mineral notes and gentle malt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to choose Darjeeling tea\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a first flush tea if you prefer a lighter, brighter cup with floral freshness and gentle astringency. Second flush teas offer a fuller body, deeper amber colour and more pronounced muscatel and malt character. The FTGFOP1 teas in this collection are made in a fine whole-leaf style with a high proportion of golden tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/estate-black-tea\"\u003eestate black tea collection\u003c\/a\u003e to discover more single-estate teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll t leaf T teas are hand-processed and hand-packed in Petone, Lower Hutt. Orders placed before 3pm are dispatched the same day across New Zealand.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"castleton-tgfop1","title":"Castleton tgfop1","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCastleton TGFOP1\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA prestigious second flush Darjeeling from the renowned Castleton Estate, delivering the signature \"Champagne of teas\" experience.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the legendary slopes of Kurseong in Darjeeling, this exceptional TGFOP1 grade tea showcases the finest silvery tips and expertly plucked leaves. Each cup reveals a shining amber liquor with classic muscatel notes, delicate floral aromatics, and subtle woody undertones that create an elegant, sophisticated infusion worthy of its world-record reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrestigious Heritage:\u003c\/strong\u003e From the legendary Castleton Estate, established 1885\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e TGFOP1 quality with silvery tips and whole leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic Character:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signature muscatel flavour with delicate floral notes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnoisseur Choice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Praised for exceptional quality and elegance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Character\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCastleton Estate, Kurseong, Darjeeling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spanning 170 hectares at elevations from 980 to 2,300 metres, this small plantation has produced world-renowned teas for over a century, consistently fetching record prices for their exceptional quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavour Journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e Experience the classic \"Champagne of teas\" with slightly astringent muscatel notes, lifted by subtle woody undertones and a crisp finish. Delicate floral aromatics create an aromatic, elegant cup with beautiful amber liquor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea Mastery:\u003c\/strong\u003e This second flush Darjeeling represents the pinnacle of tea craftsmanship, with careful plucking by expertly trained personnel ensuring only the finest leaves and silvery tips make it into each batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCastleton TGFOP1 is a true expression of Darjeeling excellence—sophisticated, aromatic, and timelessly elegant. Perfect for discerning tea lovers seeking the authentic \"Champagne of teas\" experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/Castleton_TGFOP1.jpg?v=1780626879\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"T LEAF T","offers":[{"title":"Sample 4-6 serves","offer_id":46906167525529,"sku":"301085","price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g foil pouch","offer_id":46906167558297,"sku":"1001085","price":29.2,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g + tin","offer_id":46906167591065,"sku":"10010850","price":35.2,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g foil pouch","offer_id":46906167623833,"sku":"901085","price":39.8,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/castleton-tgfop1-1138227.png?v=1777784893"},{"product_id":"darjeeling-first-flush-blend","title":"Darjeeling first flush blend","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDarjeeling First Flush Blend - Premium Estate Black Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst flush teas are the season's opening statement: harvested in early spring when the renewed plant produces its most delicate, aromatic leaf. This blend brings together high-grade first flush teas for a consistently exceptional cup of golden copper elegance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst flush Darjeeling is prized by tea connoisseurs the world over for its extraordinary lightness, floral complexity, and muscatel character, the distinctive musky-sweet note that only appears in the finest spring harvests. This blend delivers that character with admirable consistency, combining select first flush teas to produce a refined, golden copper liquor with elegant fruity undertones and a beautifully balanced malty sweetness. Equally good with or without milk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal rarity, year-round:\u003c\/strong\u003e First flush teas represent the best of the spring harvest, this blend brings that consistent quality to every cup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElegant and complex:\u003c\/strong\u003e Malty sweetness, delicate fruit, and the subtle muscatel character that defines fine Darjeeling-style teas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGolden copper liquor:\u003c\/strong\u003e A beautiful, amber-gold cup that is as pleasing to look at as it is to drink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile brewing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Exceptional on its own, and equally good with a splash of milk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Character\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe liquor is a refined golden copper with a bright, inviting clarity. The aroma carries floral and malty notes, leading to a flavour that is smooth and balanced, malty sweetness at the fore, with underlying hints of dried fruit and a smooth, chocolate-adjacent finish. The tannins are present but gentle, making this a tea that is full of character without being astringent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFunctional \u0026amp; Wellness Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced from high-grade, carefully selected first flush estate teas, this blend is assembled to deliver the character of premium spring-harvest leaf with impressive consistency. The thin, wiry leaves are indicative of the quality and care taken in processing, and the resulting cup reflects the skill of experienced tea growers and blenders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eOur Darjeeling First Flush Blend is an invitation to explore fine tea at its most expressive. Order today with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 3pm, and experience the magic of the first flush harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"T LEAF T","offers":[{"title":"Sample 4-6 serves","offer_id":46906189971609,"sku":"301160","price":3.25,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g foil pouch","offer_id":46906190004377,"sku":"1001160","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g + tin","offer_id":46906190037145,"sku":"10011600","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g foil pouch","offer_id":46906190069913,"sku":"901160","price":42.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/darjeeling-first-flush-blend-5908562.png?v=1777784839"},{"product_id":"makaibari-ftgfop1-s-organic","title":"Makaibari FTGFOP1 (S) organic","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMakaibari SFTGFOP1 Organic - Biodynamic Darjeeling Tea NZ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom the legendary Makaibari Estate founded in 1859, this biodynamically cultivated Darjeeling black tea is celebrated for its soft, fruity complexity. This second flush tea reveals the estate's commitment to sustainable practices, producing a sophisticated cup brimming with muscatel richness, floral top notes, and a gentle peach finish. The dark leaves, tipped with silver, yield a vibrant amber-red liquor with a soft yet complex mouthfeel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFTGFOP1 (s) grade\u003c\/strong\u003e—\u003cstrong\u003e(S)\u003c\/strong\u003e stands for \u003cstrong\u003eSpecial\u003c\/strong\u003e, making the full grade \u003cstrong\u003eSFTGFOP1\u003c\/strong\u003e, which translates to \u003cstrong\u003e“Special Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe One”\u003c\/strong\u003e. This indicates:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial\u003c\/strong\u003e: A step above FTGFOP grades—exceptionally limited, top-tier selections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinest Tippy\u003c\/strong\u003e: A high-quality pluck with abundant golden-tipped buds selected during the peak of the second flush season for superior quality\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGolden Flowery Orange Pekoe\u003c\/strong\u003e: Whole-leaf black tea with floral character and golden tips\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1 (One)\u003c\/strong\u003e: Signifies the very best within that grade—not just fine, but the \u003cem\u003etop of the top\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eRich in antioxidants, this tea supports overall wellbeing and is best enjoyed without milk or sweetener, from morning through early afternoon, when its flavour can truly shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/makaibari.png?v=1773825171\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e","brand":"T LEAF T","offers":[{"title":"Sample 4-6 serves","offer_id":46906254688409,"sku":"301100","price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g foil pouch","offer_id":46906254721177,"sku":"1001100","price":32.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g + tin","offer_id":46906254753945,"sku":"10011000","price":38.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g foil pouch","offer_id":46906254786713,"sku":"901100","price":68.2,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/makaibari-ftgfop1-s-organic-2433385.png?v=1777784770"},{"product_id":"margaret-s-hope-ftgfop1-ff","title":"Margaret's hope ftgfop1 ff","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMargaret's Hope FTGFOP1 - First Flush Darjeeling Tea NZ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Darjeeling classic, this Margaret’s Hope captures the essence of the First Flush with a refined, aromatic cup. Light and brisk with gentle floral top notes and a subtle muscatel hint, it brews to a pale golden liquor. The fine whole leaves promise a fresh, elegant infusion, best enjoyed pure, any time of day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvested in early spring from 950 to 1,830 meters on the renowned Margaret’s Hope Estate in Kurseong, this FTGFOP1 First Flush is made from clonal Camellia sinensis sinensis bushes. The tippy leaves yield a delicate yellow liquor, bright with floral complexity, light astringency, and a lingering sweet freshness, a true First Flush Darjeeling treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMargaret’s Hope Tea Estate\u003c\/strong\u003e was established in the 1830s, commercially operating from 1864. Originally named Bara Ringtong, it was renamed in the 1920s after the owner’s daughter, Margaret, who tragically died returning to England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFTGFOP1\u003c\/strong\u003e stands for \u003cem\u003eFinest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe 1\u003c\/em\u003e, the highest whole-leaf grade in Darjeeling. It means lots of golden tips, high-quality whole leaves picked manually. This grade produces a smooth, aromatic, floral-citrus liquor, ideal for connoisseurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/Margarets_Hope__FTGFOP1_FF.jpg?v=1780626121\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"T LEAF T","offers":[{"title":"Sample 4-6 serves","offer_id":46906256031897,"sku":"301090","price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g foil pouch","offer_id":46906256064665,"sku":"1001090","price":40.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g + tin","offer_id":46906256097433,"sku":"10010900","price":46.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g foil pouch","offer_id":46906256130201,"sku":"901090","price":85.2,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/margarets-hope-ftgfop1-ff-7441313.png?v=1777784715"},{"product_id":"steinthal-sftgfop1-organic","title":"Steinthal SFTGFOP1 organic","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSFTGFOP1 Organic - Second Flush Darjeeling Tea NZ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gorgeously floral, premium second‑flush Darjeeling offering a rich amber‑gold liquor. Each sip reveals pronounced muscatel fruitiness layered over creamy mineral notes and gentle malt, finishing with a rounded, dry‑champagne elegance. Sustainably grown on the historic Steinthal Estate, it invites tea lovers to experience classic high grown Darjeeling elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteeped in hillside heritage, Steinthal Estate—founded in 1852 at the foot of the Himalayas—harvests this second‑flush Darjeeling from 1,200–1,700 m elevations. Our SFTGFOP1 full‑leaf grade features whole twisted \u003cem\u003eCamellia sinensis\u003c\/em\u003e leaves that unfurl into an amber‑gold infusion, delivering a fuller‑bodied creaminess and bolder muscatel aroma. Naturally sweet with light malt notes and antioxidant benefits, it’s perfectly balanced—no milk or sweetener needed. Ideal for afternoon indulgence, this vintage‑rich brew showcases the full maturity of Darjeeling’s spring and early‑summer harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSFTGFOP1 Explained\u003c\/strong\u003e: “Special Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, Grade 1” indicates hand‑picked, top‑quality buds and leaves with abundant silvery tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/steinthal_SFTGFOP1.jpg?v=1780626393\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"T LEAF T","offers":[{"title":"Sample 4-6 serves","offer_id":46906397950105,"sku":"301979","price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g foil pouch","offer_id":46906397851801,"sku":"1001979","price":31.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g + tin","offer_id":46906397884569,"sku":"10019790","price":37.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g foil pouch","offer_id":46906397917337,"sku":"901979","price":65.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/3423\/1193\/files\/steinthal-sftgfop1-organic-4167367.png?v=1780363209"}],"url":"https:\/\/tleaft.co.nz\/collections\/darjeeling-tea.oembed","provider":"t leaf T | teas and infusions from around the world","version":"1.0","type":"link"}