Our New Regional Single Estate Teas
Introducing our new range of delicious single-estate teas from India
The teas used in these delicious blends have been sourced from some of the most established tea gardens in India, each of which sits in a unique region of the country, rich in natural beauty and culture. Single estate teas benefit from the mix of soil and climate in their region, and we’ve picked the very best for your cup.
Tea India Darjeeling
Known as the champagne of teas our deliciously delicate & citrusy Darjeeling is grown on the foothills of the Himalayas. Sourced from the Badamtam Tea Garden, only small amounts of this medium bodied and highly aromatic tea is grown each year.
A History of the Badamtam Tea Estate
In the 1850s the British started experimenting with the cultivation of tea in the Darjeeling area and Major Crommelia was charged with conducting such an experiment in the Lebong Valley. The success of this experiment in the valley marked a turning point in the history of Badamtam.
In 1858, the first proprietor Mr. Christine Barnes began planting tea in these plots with the help of the “People of the Ravines” – the Rongpas, or the Lepcha tribe as they are known now. Unfortunately, they are a fast-vanishing tribe today.
This is where the name comes from as in the Lepcha dialect PADAM means Bamboos & TAM means flat land, OR the name of the estate, could have been derived from a Lepcha word, which meant a bamboo water carrier.
A beautiful, serene and majestic, fourteen feet high bronze statue of the Buddha, sculpted by a renowned artist, sits like a guardian of peace over the vistas of tea bushes.
The garden has high welfare standards and offers excellent infra-structure in terms of housing, education, health, sanitation and even entertainment. The workers are well educated and enjoy a modern lifestyle.
Tea India Nilgiri
Our deliciously dark & aromatic Niligiri is grown high in the Nilgiri hills in the most Southern part of India. Sourced from the Craigmore tea garden nestled at an elevation of 5500 feet, the mix of soil and climate provide perfect conditions for some of the world’s finest teas.
A History of the Craigmore Tea Gardens
Craigmore Plantations traces its roots back over 130 years when it was first incorporated in 1884 in the UK as the Ceylon Land and Produce Company Limited. Indoo Shivdasani acquired the company in 1977, and since his death in 1979, his son Azad Shivdasani has been at the helm.
The planation is situated in the Nilgiris at an altitude ranging between 3500 to 6000 feet above sea level. Craigmore is divided into five estates: Headquarters, Glencairnie, Woodlands, Palmyrah, and Manar and the planation is 2,857 acres.
Craigmore is known for its ethical business practices and exceptional standards of social welfare. The plantation has always placed an emphasis on sustainability and respect for the natural environment. The company owns and cares for almost 3000 acres of land, with a significant portion sustained as natural ‘shola’ and fuelwood forests. Driven by the desire to maintain a balance with nature, the management has ensured the protection of Craigmore’s biodiversity, taking pride in the fact that its actions will guarantee ecosystems survive for many generations.
The ethos of the business has been to promote the health and welfare of the estate and its workforce, with a focus on best practices and value-adding investment rather than the bottom-line. The company has an excellent relationship with its workforce developed over many years, based on transparency and mutual trust.
The delicate and delicious green tea used in our Kashmiri Kahwa is also sourced from the Craigmore Tea Gardens and is then blended with cinnamon and rose petals to give it its sweet taste.
Tea India Assam
Our malty and strong single-estate Assam tea is sourced from the Margherita Tea Estate™, located in the low-lying plains of the Brahmaputra River delta. Being grown at low levels gives Assam tea a full-bodied, malty taste and a lovely deep coloured liquor.
A History of the Margherita Tea Estate™
Tucked away in the extreme eastern corner of Assam, the Margherita Tea Estate™ is one of the most picturesque areas with emerald green tea gardens and lush green forests. The area is inhabited by many tribes. The Singhpos, Tai Phakes , Noktes, Tongshas, Semas, Tai Ahom, Nepalis, Misings, Kacharis, and Morans are all an integral part of the culture and history of this wonderful area.
The original clearings of Margherita Tea Garden started in 1890. By September 1891 seventy-eight acres had been planted. Eventually the tea garden was handed over to the Makum (Assam) Tea Company which was promoted by the Assam Railways and Trading Company with Dr. J. Berry White as its first Chairman. By June 1894, a thousand acres were under tea, another 400 acres ready for planting and another 500 acres cleared of jungle. The total labour force being around 1500.
Planting out of further areas on the North Bank of the Dehing River was begun in 1898. Two years later when the Viceroy, Lord Curzon, visited Margherita, he spoke about the success of the garden’s teas:
“Will not they be drunk and appreciated all over the world? Teas once tasted never abandoned.”
To this day Margherita Tea Estate is known locally as “Makum Bagan”.
Explore Our Regional Teas
A cup of our tea will whisk you away to these gorgeous parts of India. Head to our tea shop to find a brew that’s right for you!
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