Darjeeling FTGFOP1 2nd Flush Organic Black Tea

Darjeeling Second Flush holds a special place in the world of black tea. Picked between May and June on the foothills of the Himalayas, this second harvest produces liquors with a uniquely muscatel character, prized by lovers of fine teas.

We selected a FTGFOP1 lot, one of the highest grades awarded to Indian black teas. This designation indicates whole leaf tea, rich in golden tips, a guarantee of a refined infusion and a well-balanced cup. our organic black tea range for further exploration of this great family.

The aromatic profile of Darjeeling FTGFOP1 2nd Flush

This tea is immediately recognizable by its celebrated muscatel note, sometimes likened to fresh grapes. It is the signature aroma of the second flush, sought after by discerning tea lovers.

As soon as you open the packet, the long, twisted leaves release a woody, lightly fruity fragrance with hints of candied citrus. As the tea steeps, the cup takes on a beautiful amber hue, luminous and almost copper-toned.

On the palate, the opening is smooth and silky. The first sips reveal notes of ripe fruit, muscat and sweet almond. The heart of the cup brings a delicate woody undertone, supported by a refined astringency characteristic of high-altitude gardens.

The finish is long and lightly honeyed, with no harsh bitterness. It is this subtle balance between fruity roundness and tannic structure that has made the Darjeeling second flush so renowned, often celebrated as the finest period of the year.

To compare flavor profiles, our green tea vs. black tea guide explores the key sensory differences between these two iconic families.

Understanding the FTGFOP1 grade and the second flush

The abbreviation FTGFOP1 stands for Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe 1. It is one of the most prestigious grades awarded to Indian black teas, guaranteeing whole leaves, carefully rolled, and rich in golden buds known as tips.

This visual quality translates in the cup to a finer, more aromatic and less astringent infusion than lower-grade teas. The producers' work is essential here: hand-sorting, controlled oxidation, precise drying.

The second flush, or second harvest, follows the spring first flush. The leaves have had time to ripen in the sun and the gentle rains of the early monsoon. This maturation accounts for the fuller, rounder and more fruited profile that defines this season.

The gardens of this region benefit from an exceptional terroir: altitudes between 600 and 2,000 metres, morning mists and marked temperature swings. These conditions concentrate the aromas within the leaf and give the tea its inimitable muscatel signature.

To explore the world of fine teas further, take a look at the must-know black teas according to experts, a guide to the major appellations and their distinctive characters.

How to prepare Darjeeling Second Flush

A fine tea deserves a little care in preparation. Our founder Julien Huot recommends a precise approach to bring out the full refinement of this whole-leaf tea.

The water: use a low-mineral water, ideally filtered. Water that is too hard will mask the muscatel notes and weigh down the cup. Bring it to a full boil at 100°C, which suits this black tea perfectly.

The quantity: use 12 to 15 grams of leaves per litre of water, roughly a heaped tablespoon for a 50 cl teapot. Since FTGFOP1 leaves are not particularly dense, rely on volume rather than visual weight.

Steeping time: 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preference. Three minutes for a lighter, more fruited cup; five minutes for a fuller-bodied, more tannic liquor. Beyond that, astringency will begin to overshadow the muscatel notes.

The teapot: opt for a porcelain or glass teapot, which lets the leaves unfurl freely without interfering with the aromas. Avoid cast iron seasoned with green or flavored teas, which may impart unwanted notes.

Enjoy this Darjeeling plain, without milk or sugar, to fully appreciate its aromatic range. A slice of lemon can complement a longer steep, but it is at its most elegant drunk just as it is.

If you would like to explore other Indian teas, take a look at our Laokhowa black tea with its malted notes, or our Mathaouri black tea for something with more structure.

Storage

To preserve the muscatel aromas of this fine tea, store it in an airtight, opaque container, away from light, moisture and strong odours. A metal tin kept in a dry cupboard works perfectly.

Consumed within twelve to eighteen months, this Darjeeling retains all its aromatic vitality. Packaged in our workshop, it arrives ready to reveal its fruited notes from the very first cup.

Frequently asked questions

What is Darjeeling Second Flush?
Darjeeling Second Flush refers to the second annual harvest from the gardens of the Indian region of the same name, picked between May and June. This season produces black teas with characteristic muscatel notes, rounder and fuller than the first spring harvest.

How do I prepare Darjeeling Second Flush?
Steep 12 to 15 grams of leaves per litre of water at 100°C for 3 to 5 minutes. Use a porcelain teapot and low-mineral water. Drink it plain to fully appreciate the muscatel notes and the roundness of the cup.

What are the benefits of organic Darjeeling?
An organic Darjeeling guarantees leaves grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, in harmony with the high-altitude terroir. This approach preserves the aromatic richness of the leaf and supports sustainable farming practices for the producers of the Himalayan gardens.

What does Darjeeling Second Flush taste like?
This tea is distinguished by its celebrated muscatel note, accompanied by aromas of ripe fruit, sweet almond and fine wood. The finish is long and lightly honeyed, with a well-managed astringency. Its luminous amber cup makes it a tea of great elegance.

Where can I buy quality Darjeeling Second Flush?
Choose a specialist tea house that selects its lots from identified gardens and favours high grades such as FTGFOP1. Our selection prioritizes traceability, organic certification and whole-leaf quality. Also explore our Langminso black tea for a different experience, or read more with our guide to black tea.