The 30 best darjeeling tea brands
Twinings, Lipton and Taylors of Harrogate lead our ranking of 30 darjeeling tea brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Darjeeling Tea brands, ranked
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1
Twinings
Twinings is a British tea brand that sells single-estate Darjeeling among its black tea range.
Website: twinings.co.uk |Brands like Twinings
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Lipton
Lipton is a mass-market tea brand known mainly for black tea blends, with occasional Darjeeling-origin offerings in some markets.
Website: lipton.com |Brands like Lipton
Popularity 8.9/10
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3
Taylors of Harrogate
Taylors of Harrogate is a Yorkshire tea company that blends and sells Darjeeling teas alongside its English breakfast and other blends.
Website: taylorsofharrogate.com |Brands like Taylors of Harrogate
Popularity 6.1/10
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4
Basilur
Basilur tea is famous for its ongoing developments, innovative packaging, and tea blends that have established our goods as an exclusive premium range worldwide. First-of-the-season teas are vibrant in color and flavor, and they herald the start of a new tea year. Basilur's spring collection provides you with the best Ceylon tea with the best flavor and color you have ever tasted before sold on an international level.
Website: basilurtea.com |Brands like Basilur
Popularity 6.1/10
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5
Ahmad Tea
Ahmad Tea is a long-established tea brand that sells black teas, including Darjeeling, in its range.
Website: ahmadteausa.com |Brands like Ahmad Tea
Popularity 5.8/10
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6
Davidson
Davidson is a tea leaves distributor, producing a wide range of flavors for all tea lovers. Chamomile, jasmine, strawberry rose, mango peach, ginger lemon, and more; Davidson is also a retailer of pure and organic spices, herbs, etc. The brand has been selling tea bags for morning teas, loose leaves, etc. and teaware. It aims to ensure a better cup of tea every day and better conditions for those who provide us with it.
Website: davidsonstea.com |Brands like Davidson
Popularity 5.6/10
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7
Bigelow
Bigelow is an American tea brand known mainly for black, green, and herbal tea bags, with some single-origin black teas.
Website: bigelowtea.com |Brands like Bigelow
Popularity 5.0/10
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8
Harney & Sons
Harney and Sons is an American tea company that blends and sells loose-leaf Darjeeling teas, including first flush.
Website: harney.com |Brands like Harney & Sons
Popularity 4.6/10
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9
Silver Leaf Tea Company
Silver Leaf Tea started with a single dream: to provide the most fabulous teas from around the world. They provide the widest selection of premium teas, including organic and handcrafted whole leaf teas, naturally flavored teas, and herbal infusions, with...
Website: silverleaftea.com |Brands like Silver Leaf Tea Company
Popularity 4.6/10
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10
Green Hill
Love the aroma of tea and wish to enjoy every sip? Then, Green Hill is at your service with its premium collection. Their tea collection includes coconut, Darjeeling flavor, golden monkey, earl grey, Assam taste, etc. All the authentic tastes...
Website: greenhilltea.com |Brands like Green Hill
Popularity 4.4/10
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11
Dilmah
A fan of tea, Merrill J. Fernando established Dilmah in 1988. It was the first tea brand of its kind that had handpicked and packed tea from the origin itself, making it one of the finest and most authentic tea...
Website: dilmahtea.com |Brands like Dilmah
Popularity 4.2/10
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12
Hatton Hill Organic
Are you the one who believes in only organic and natural food products? So here comes Hatton Hill Organic, located in the U.K., for your help! They are well known for providing the customers with totally organic and natural products,...
Website: hattonhill.com |Brands like Hatton Hill Organic
Popularity 4.2/10
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13
Dragonfly
Dragonfly knows the importance of fragrance. The company is dedicated to making your space smell heavenly with its set of candles and diffusers. The couple Patrick and Michelle founded this company when they understood the waste of candle burning. They...
Website: dragonflyfragrances.com |Brands like Dragonfly
Popularity 4.0/10
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14
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum and Mason sells its own-label loose-leaf teas, which include Darjeeling blends sold through its London shops and online.
Website: fortnumandmason.com |Brands like Fortnum & Mason
Popularity 4.0/10
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15
teapigs
A cup of tea is all that is needed to refresh one's soul. Teapigs is an exclusive tea brand known for its real natural extracts and original taste. The website is elegantly designed for the ease for customers to shop...
Website: teapigs.com |Brands like teapigs
Popularity 4.0/10
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16
ORGANIC INDIA
Organic India is a market leader in producing the best quality herbal goods. Professionals formed the organization to make the benefits of these traditional wellness techniques accessible to everyone in their most natural state. They get their herbs from their...
Website: organicindia.com |Brands like ORGANIC INDIA
Popularity 3.1/10
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17
Tazo
Tea is like a boost to a limp body, and therefore it needs to be potent and refreshing. The Tazo website works for the same, and it provides tea bags combined with classic brews. The refreshing taste of energizing green...
Website: tazo.com |Brands like Tazo
Popularity 3.1/10
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18
Tea Forté
Usually, people prefer doing discussions and making firm decisions over a cup of tea that needs to be remarkable. Therefore, one is always searching for a special tea in flavor and smell. Tea Forte is a rich and exclusive brand...
Website: teaforte.com |Brands like Tea Forté
Popularity 2.8/10
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19
Himalaya
Himalaya is an education company that helps you learn and succeed through its best quality digital learning solutions. By creating value-based content, Himalaya enables you to gain knowledge in a fun & interactive way. Himalaya's mission is to help everyone...
Website: himalaya.com.tr |Brands like Himalaya
Popularity 2.4/10
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20
Queen
You may find all of your baking recipes at Queen. They'll teach you all you need to know about baking, from materials to tools and procedures. Professional bakers and bloggers share their tried-and-true recipes with us, so they have the...
Website: queen.com.au |Brands like Queen
Popularity 2.0/10
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21
LUPICIA
LUPICIA is a brand in Hawaii that sells more than 400 kinds of fresh teas and several other organic and healthy flavored teas. The company aims to sell high-quality teas and produce new types of flavors of teas. They believe...
Website: usa.lupicia.com |Brands like LUPICIA
Popularity 2.0/10
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22
Whittard of Chelsea
Whittard of Chelsea is a British tea and coffee brand that sells loose-leaf Darjeeling among its black tea range.
Website: whittard.co.uk |Brands like Whittard of Chelsea
Popularity 2.0/10
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23
Tea Haven
Start your day with a little Tea Haven. Trying the expansive selection of teas they have to offer can be your new hobby. Ranging from organic to herbal to flavored teas, every product from this store provides you with the...
Website: teahaven.com |Brands like Tea Haven
Popularity 2.0/10
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24
Organic Choice
Organic Choice, like its name, sells only organic, natural, safe, and clean products. The products at their store are meticulously selected, keeping in mind their safety for human consumption and the effect on our planet. They have a vast collection...
Website: organicchoice.co.za |Brands like Organic Choice
Popularity 2.0/10
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25
Kusmi Tea
Kusmi Tea is a Paris-based tea brand that sells black teas, including Darjeeling, mostly as loose-leaf blends.
Website: kusmitea.com |Brands like Kusmi Tea
Popularity 2.0/10
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26
Simpli-Special
Teas are liked and drank by people in many parts of the world with varying methods of making and adding flavors. Simpli-Special was commenced through this very same love for tea and developed into a family-owned brand by processing the...
Website: simpli-special.co.uk |Brands like Simpli-Special
Popularity 2.0/10
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27
Dallmayr
Dallmayr is a German gourmet food brand best known for coffee, and it also sells a range of loose teas including Darjeeling.
Website: dallmayr.com |Brands like Dallmayr
Popularity 1.4/10
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28
Numi
Numi is an American brand of organic teas, offering black and green teas alongside herbal blends in tea bags and loose leaf.
Website: numitea.com |Brands like Numi
Popularity 1.4/10
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29
Tetley
Tetley is a major tea brand known for black tea bags, and it has offered Darjeeling-origin teas in some markets.
Website: tetleyusa.com |Brands like Tetley
Popularity 1.4/10
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30
Mariage Frères
Mariage Freres is a French luxury tea house that sells a range of single-estate Darjeeling teas.
Website: mariagefreres.com |Brands like Mariage Frères
Popularity 1.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twinings | twinings.co.uk | – | – | @twiningsuk | – |
| Lipton | lipton.com | /LiptonUS | liptonUSA | @Lipton | liptontea |
| Taylors of Harrogate | taylorsofharrogate.com | – | – | – | – |
| Basilur | basilurtea.com | /basilurtea.global | basilurtea.global | @basilur_global | Basilur Tea Global |
| Ahmad Tea | ahmadteausa.com | /ahmadteausa | ahmadtea_usa | @ahmadteaUK | – |
| Davidson | davidsonstea.com | /davidsonsteas | davidsonsteas | – | DavidsonsOrganicTeas |
| Bigelow | bigelowtea.com | /bigelowtea | bigelowtea | @bigelowtea | bigelowtea |
| Harney & Sons | harney.com | /harneytea | harneyteas | @harneytea | harneyteas |
| Silver Leaf Tea Company | silverleaftea.com | – | – | @SilverLeafTea | SilverLeafTeaCompany |
| Green Hill | greenhilltea.com | /GreenHillTea | – | @GreenHillTea | TheGreenHillTea |
Darjeeling Tea Buying Guide
Tea lovers around the world appreciate Darjeeling tea for its unique flavor, aroma, and character. It is a premium tea variety that has gained a reputation for being one of the best teas in the world. Darjeeling tea is grown in the Darjeeling district, situated in the Indian state of West Bengal. The tea is often described as having a musky spiciness with a floral, fruity aroma, and a musky spiciness. The tea is harvested in several flushes, and each flush has a unique flavor profile. In this buying guide, we will take a closer look at Darjeeling tea, and we will guide you on what to look for when buying Darjeeling tea.
The Different Flushes of Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is harvested in several flushes throughout the year. A flush refers to the process of harvesting tea leaves, and Darjeeling tea is grouped into four main flushes:
First Flush (Spring Flush)
The first flush is the first tea harvest of the year, and it is picked in March and April. The tea leaves of the first flush are delicate, and they have a light and floral flavor. First flush Darjeeling tea is often light in color, and it has a delicate aroma.
Second Flush (Summer Flush)
The second flush is the most popular flush of the year, and it is harvested between May and June. The tea leaves of the second flush are larger than the first flush, and they have a fuller body and a darker color. Second flush Darjeeling tea has a musky spiciness flavor, and it has a fruity-floral aroma.
Monsoon Flush
The monsoon flush is picked between July and September, and it is the least popular flush of the year. The tea leaves of the monsoon flush are large, and they have a flavor that is not as complex as the first or second flush. Monsoon flush Darjeeling tea has a strong, bold flavor, and it has a darker color than the other flushes.
Autumn Flush
The autumn flush is the last tea harvest of the year, and it is picked in October and November. The tea leaves of the autumn flush are similar to the first flush, and they have a delicate flavor. Autumn flush Darjeeling tea has a light, delicate flavor, and it has a golden color.
The Grades of Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is graded based on the quality of the tea leaves. The grading system is based on the tea leaves' size, shape, color, and the number of tips on the tea leaves. The tea leaves with more tips are considered to be of higher quality. The most common grades of Darjeeling tea are:
Whole Leaf
The whole leaf Darjeeling tea is composed of unbroken tea leaves. The tea leaves are handpicked, and they are not broken or crushed. Whole leaf Darjeeling tea is considered to be of high quality, and it has a delicate and complex flavor.
Broken Leaf
The broken leaf Darjeeling tea is made of tea leaves that are broken into small pieces. The tea leaves are handpicked, and they are broken during the manufacturing process. Broken leaf Darjeeling tea has a stronger flavor and is less delicate than whole leaf Darjeeling tea.
Fannings and Dust
Fannings and dust are the lower grades of Darjeeling tea. These grades are made of tea leaves that are smaller and broken into tiny pieces. Fannings and dust are used to make tea bags, and they have a less complex flavor than whole leaf and broken leaf Darjeeling tea.
The Factors to Consider When Buying Darjeeling Tea
When buying Darjeeling tea, several factors must be considered to ensure that you get the best quality tea. These factors include:
Flush
The flush of the tea is an essential factor to consider when buying Darjeeling tea. Each flush has a unique flavor and aroma, and it is important to choose a flush that suits your taste preferences. If you prefer a light and delicate flavor, the first flush would be a great choice. If you prefer a stronger and musky flavor, the second flush is the best option. The autumn flush and monsoon flush are less popular and have a stronger flavor, and they are not commonly consumed.
Grade
The grade of the Darjeeling tea is also an important factor to consider. The higher the grade, the better the quality of the tea leaves. It is recommended to choose whole leaf or broken leaf Darjeeling tea as they have a better quality and a richer flavor than fannings and dust.
Origin
Darjeeling tea is a protected product, and only tea grown in the Darjeeling district can be sold as Darjeeling tea. Ensure that you buy Darjeeling tea from a reputable seller to ensure that you get the original product.
Brewing Method
The brewing method is also an important factor to consider when buying Darjeeling tea. The water temperature, brewing time, and the amount of tea leaves used will affect the flavor of the tea. It is recommended to follow the brewing instructions provided by the seller to ensure that you get a perfect cup of Darjeeling tea.
Where to Buy Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea can be purchased from various sellers, including tea shops, online stores, and supermarkets. However, it is essential to buy Darjeeling tea from a reliable and reputable seller to ensure that you get the best quality tea. Some popular places to buy Darjeeling tea include:
Tea Shops
Tea shops are the most popular places to buy Darjeeling tea. They offer a wide range of tea varieties, including Darjeeling tea, and they often provide brewing instructions and advice to customers.
Online Stores
Online stores are becoming increasingly popular for buying Darjeeling tea. They offer a wide range of tea varieties, and they often offer special deals and discounts to customers. However, it is essential to ensure that the online store is reliable and reputable before making a purchase.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets also stock Darjeeling tea, but the quality may not be as high as the tea sold in tea shops or online stores. It is recommended to check the grade and flush of the tea before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Darjeeling tea is a premium tea variety that is appreciated by tea lovers worldwide for its unique flavor, aroma, and character. When buying Darjeeling tea, it is essential to consider factors such as flush, grade, origin, and brewing method to ensure that you get the best quality tea. It is recommended to buy Darjeeling tea from reputable sellers such as tea shops and online stores to ensure that you get the original product. Enjoy your cup of Darjeeling tea, and experience the unique flavor and aroma of this exceptional tea variety.
