Margarets Hope Tea FTGFOP1 is grown in the famous Margarets Hope Estate in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. This estate with its rich history and legacy has been producing some of the best teas in the world for over a century, and is well known among tea connoisseurs globally.
FTGFOP1 stands for Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe 1 which means the high quality and careful grading of this tea, emphasis on the golden tips and delicate flavour profile.
Known for its floral aroma, bright liquor and muscatel notes this tea is a luxurious experience in every cup. Perfect for tea lovers looking for exceptional taste, unparalleled refinement and a connection to its heritage.
History of Margaret’s Hope Estate
The history of Margaret’s Hope Estate dates back to the traditions and legacy of Darjeeling Tea since 1864. The estate was founded by Mr. Bagdon, an English tea planter who named it after his daughter Margaret.
According to local legend Margaret had visited the estate and fallen in love with the views of the Himalayas and the tea gardens. She died during her journey back to England, and her father was so grief stricken that he renamed the estate in her memory as a tribute to her love for the place.
Over the years, the estate changed hands several times, and each owner contributed to its growth and reputation. The turning point came in 1927 when the estate was acquired by Mr. Bagchi a pioneering Indian planter.
Under Mr. Bagchi’s management the estate saw tremendous progress in tea cultivation and production techniques. He modernised the infrastructure and increased the production of the estate to produce high quality tea adhering to traditional methods and incorporating modern practices.
Today Margaret’s Hope Estate is a symbol of heritage and excellence and continues to produce world class teas that carry the essence of its past.
How to make Darjeeling Margaret’s Hope Tea
- Measure the Tea Leaves: Start by measuring one teaspoon of leaf tea for every 240ml of water. Adjust to taste.
- Heat the Water: Use fresh, filtered water and heat it to 195°F (90°C). Don’t boil the water, as the delicate flavours of Darjeeling tea can get affected by high temperatures.
- Prepare to Steep: Put the tea leaves in a teapot, infuser or directly in your tea cup.
- Steep the Tea: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and steep for 3-5 minutes. For a lighter taste steep for less and for a more robust flavour steep for slightly more.
- Strain and Serve: If steeping in the teapot or cup, strain the tea into another container or remove the infuser to prevent over brewing.
- Enjoy the Aroma and Flavour: Serve the tea plain to experience the muscatel notes or add milk or sugar to taste.
When prepared correctly, Darjeeling Margarets Hope Tea is a rich and aromatic experience that reflects its quality and heritage.
Tasting Notes for Darjeeling Margarets Hope Tea
Known for its complex flavour profile this is a truly exceptional tea to taste. On the first sip the tea reveals its muscatel notes which are like sweet grapes with a hint of spice. This characteristic is perfectly balanced, with a mild floral undertone like fresh flowers.
The tea has a medium body, not too heavy, with a brisk and slightly astringent quality that gives a clean and refreshing finish and a pleasant dryness on the palate. Hints of honey and stone fruits like peach or apricot give a gentle sweetness that complements the overall complexity.
When served plain, the tea’s natural charm shines through and shows its depth and nuances. But it also takes milk or sugar well and can mellow the astringency and bring out the sweetness.
Whether you drink it as a morning staple or an afternoon indulgence, Darjeeling Margarets Hope Tea is an experience that highlights its heritage and craftsmanship.