Happy Valley Estate Darjeeling (TGFOP)

Description

Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine Darjeelings, or just discovering these remarkable teas, immerse yourself in the flavor of this magical region, where century-old high-altitude tea bushes are bathed in mountain mists, developing a characteristic muscatel flavor.

Happy Valley is one of the oldest and most storied estates in Darjeeling, on 437-acres just outside the town of the same name, at no fewer than 6800 ft, (2100 m) above sea level. The first tea bushes were put in the ground in 1854 and by 1860, the estate had begun to produce finished tea and word of its quality quickly spread throughout the British Empire. In 1903, Wilson estate was purchased by an Indian aristocrat from Hooghly named Tarapanda Banerjee. In 1929 Banerjee purchased neighbouring Windsor Tea Estate, merged it with Wilson and changed the name to Happy Valley. Happy Valley thrived until the fall of the USSR (the main consumer of Indian Teas in the 20th century), and then began to fall into disrepair, but in the early 2000s, was purchased by new owners who have invested in returning it and its teas to their former glory. In fact, Happy Valley is now producing it’s best tea in a over a century.

This remarkable 2nd flush TGFOP is a sparkling example of Darjeeling’s finest – lush muscatel notes, soft tones of honey and lightly balanced astringency. For Darjeeling-lovers or the Darjeeling-curious alike, this cup is an experience not to be missed.