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Loose leaf

Vahdam Darjeeling First Flush Loose Leaf

First pick of the year. Floral, muscatel, almost wine-like.

Form

Loose leaf

Leaf

Black

Brew temp

195°F

Steep time

3 min

The verdict

Where this pick fits.

The first picking of the year off the Himalayan slopes, light-oxidized into something more like a green than a typical black. Floral, muscatel, almost wine-like. Spring in a tin.

First pick of the year. Floral, muscatel, almost wine-like. It earned its spot in our lineup by solving the stage it's supposed to solve — without pretending to solve every stage after it.

Quick take

  • Best for: spring drinking, connoisseur, wine palettes
  • Format: Loose leaf
  • Leaf: Black
  • Caffeine: high

Best for

Where it earns its keep.

  • · spring drinking
  • · connoisseur
  • · wine palettes

Head to head

See how it stacks up.

Common questions

Before you pour.

Is the Vahdam Darjeeling First Flush Loose Leaf worth it? +

The first picking of the year off the Himalayan slopes, light-oxidized into something more like a green than a typical black. Floral, muscatel, almost wine-like. Spring in a tin. We keep it in the lineup for spring drinking and connoisseur.

How much caffeine is in Vahdam Darjeeling First Flush Loose Leaf? +

It sits in the high range, which is typical for black tea. A longer steep pulls more caffeine; pull it early in the 3 min window to keep the cup lighter.

What water temperature and steep time does Vahdam Darjeeling First Flush Loose Leaf need? +

Brew at 195°F for 3 min. Our brewing guide has the full method, ratio, and water notes.

Where can you buy the Vahdam Darjeeling First Flush Loose Leaf? +

Through the Amazon link on this page. Buying via our link costs you nothing extra and keeps xxxtea's reviews independent.

House rule

xxxtea earns a small commission on Amazon links. Your price is identical. Our take doesn't soften for anyone.

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