Darjeeling First Flush Castleton Estate

This single estate Darjeeling is quite simply superb. Light and brimming with aromatic flavour, it is not surprising to learn that this tea garden was established in 1885, and has been producing top quality tea ever since. 

From the master:

Single estate origin – our other Darjeelings come from a range of estates. Is not quite as floral and perfumy as our other Darjeeling 1^st – is slightly more malty in flavour, but still beautifully light.

Castleton Tea Estate is perched in Darjeeling's misty Kurseong South Valley. Originally planted in 1885 by an enterprising Englishman, the estate has passed through the hands of Calcutta royalty, and still uses names rather than numbers to designate specific areas in the garden. The original name of this garden was Kumseri. The various sections of this gardens are known as Bhalu Khop (bear cave), Jim Basha (the erstwhile manager's domain), Dhobitar (washerman’s clothes line) and Baseri (resting place).

Castleton is planted mostly with China bushes. The estate covers 471.20 Ha (1164.360 acres), about 318.98 Ha (788.216 acres) of which is under tea cultivation. Up to 665 people, including temporary employees, work in the garden during its busiest season. Castleton tea is Orthodox and hand-picked.