Darjeeling First Flush Seeyok 2017

The Seeyok Estate is one of the earliest plantations established in the Darjeeling district and produces our particularly popular Darjeeling First Flush Seeyok Tea! This large and well-made leaf has plenty of tip and is renowned for its sweet, luscious and floral flavours. Located in the Mirik Valley near the Indo-Nepal border, the Seeyok Estate has been producing its fine quality tea since 1869! At an elevation ranging from 1100 metres to 1800 metres above sea level, and with much of its land looking out to Mount Kanchenjunga, it is no surprise that the taste of this blend is reminiscent of the beautiful area from where it is grown!

Darjeeling Tea is a relatively new contender to the tea industry, with its origins traced back just 200 years ago – which is surprisingly young compared to the likes of other teas! Despite this, Darjeeling tea has been quick to make a name for itself, with the Darjeeling district now considered one of the three main growing regions of India. Yet this region holds a secret – for much of its produce is not originally native to India at all! In fact, most of Darjeeling’s tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis Sinensis plant – a Chinese variant – as opposed to the Indian Camellia Sinensis Assamica. However, over the course of 2 centuries, these plants have acclimatised to the high elevation and rugged terrain of Darjeeling.

Its story begins with the renowned Scottish explorer and botanist, Robert Fortune, who smuggled tea seeds from China to plant within the district. However, it would not be until the early Victorian era that experimental cultivation took hold of the district as English traders grew wary of China as their sole tea supplier. This subsequently resulted in the mass-production of tea in India, with Darjeeling playing a key role in exports. Darjeeling had been in the procession of the British Empire since 1835, but after India obtained its independence in 1947, the ownership of most tea gardens transferred to Indian entrepreneurs.

20 years later however, the country experienced a political upheaval with communist parties seizing power in West Bengal. This brought about uncertain times for the plantations of Darjeeling as for the next 35 years, garden management and trade unions often clashed, causing serious problems for many gardens, with some even completely closing. The official breakup of the USSR in 1991 – one of the region’s biggest buyers – also caused major setbacks as plantations struggled to make up for their losses.

But the district prevailed – and as of today, Darjeeling boasts around 80 different tea estates permitted to name their produce accordingly. Seeyok is one of many, but with its relatively long historical connection with Darjeeling tea, we here believe it stands out as one of the most experienced producers of this divine beverage.

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Darjeeling Black Tea.

Origin: The Darjeeling District, India.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: Consider adding lemon as an optional extra. Alternatively, this brew can be enjoyed as it is.

Tasting Notes: With a rich woody aroma wafting from your cup, this beverage truly embodies the region from where it is produced. Subtle grassy notes can be tasted with delicate earthy undertones.

Colour in Cup: Golden liquor, light in tone.

Health Benefits: Scientific Studies continue to prove the incredible health benefits of frequently consuming Darjeeling tea. First and foremost, Darjeeling First Flush tea is a rich source of flavonoids and other antioxidants which serve as immunity boosters and help detoxify our body. If that wasn’t enough, this wonderful beverage can also help to prevent tooth decay and likewise offers anti-inflammatory properties!