Darjeeling in 1839 and used seeds from China to begin experimental tea planting, a practice that he and others continued during the 1840s. The government also established tea nurseries during that period. Commercial exploitation began during the 1850s.

Darjeeling tea, tea from the Darjeeling region in West Bengal, India, has traditionally been prized above all other black teas, especially in the United Kingdom and the countries comprising the former British Empire. When properly brewed it yields a thin-bodied, light-coloured liquor with a floral aroma. The flavour also displays a tinge of astringent tannic characteristics, and a musky spiciness often referred to by tea connoisseurs as "muscatel." A sweet cooling aftertaste should be felt in the mouth.

We tend to follow the same Estates year in and out. They have given us top quality teas from whatever season and their prices to us are always reasonable. Our preferred Estates are Puttabong, Margaret's Hope, Okayti, Tumsong, Gopaldhara, Castleton, Badamtam, and Giddapahar. We also go elsewhere if we find a little treasure.