In brief: A certified organic Indian grand cru from the Tonganagaon garden, this Assam SFTGFOP 1 black tea brews best at 100°C for 3 to 5 minutes, using 12 to 15 g/L. The cup is a deep copper, with malty and woody notes, perfect for the morning.
Nestled in the fertile plains of northeastern India, the Tonganagaon garden has been producing one of the finest Assam teas in the world for decades. Our tea buyer, Julien Huot, selected this organic cru for its unusually long leaves and the aromatic richness it brings to the cup.
The SFTGFOP 1 grade, short for Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe 1, is the highest classification in Indian black tea. It reflects a careful plucking, rich in golden buds (the prized tips), and consistently exceptional leaf quality. Explore our rare and exceptional teas to discover more hidden gems of origin.
The Aromatic Profile of Tonganagaon
On opening the pouch, the long dark-brown leaves, scattered with golden buds, release a warm scent of toasted grain and aged wood. The promise is clear: a full, generous, well-structured cup.
Once brewed, the liquor takes on a deep copper hue, almost amber. The top notes evoke malt and freshly baked bread. The heart unfolds with woody accents and the characteristic honeyed roundness of a great Assam.
The finish is long and velvety, leaving a gentle impression of soft spice and a hint of cocoa. A pure, unflavoured tea that speaks of its terroir and the craft behind it. To continue exploring rare grand crus, try the Lung Ching Superior.
How to Brew Assam Tonganagaon
To bring out the full richness of this grand cru, a few simple but precise parameters are all you need. Water quality and the right dosage make all the difference in the finesse of the final cup.
- Water: low in minerals, brought to a full boil at 100°C.
- Dosage: 12 to 15 g per litre, roughly one heaped tablespoon per 500 ml.
- Steeping time: 3 minutes for a lighter cup, up to 5 minutes for a fuller, more robust liquor.
- Vessel: a porcelain or cast-iron teapot, with a wide-enough strainer to let the leaves open fully.
Serve plain to savour the purity of the terroir, or with a splash of milk in the English tradition. If you enjoy exploring British tea time rituals, our guide to choosing the right English tea offers helpful pointers for composing a tea blend with character. Make this Assam part of your morning ritual for the perfect start to the day.
Storage
Keep this organic tea in its original tin, away from light, moisture and strong odours. Packed in our own workshop, it retains its full aromatic freshness for up to 24 months. A closed cupboard, away from spices, is all it takes to preserve its malty signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Assam Tonganagaon tea come from?
This tea comes from the Tonganagaon garden of the same name, located in the Assam region of northeastern India. It is a certified organic estate, known for the exceptional length of its leaves and the consistent quality of its harvests.
How do I brew Assam Tonganagaon tea?
Bring low-mineral water to a full boil at 100°C. Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre and steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Enjoy plain or with a splash of milk, in the English style.
What are the characteristics of Assam Tonganagaon tea?
It is a grade SFTGFOP 1 black tea, the highest classification for an Assam: long leaves rich in golden buds, a copper-toned liquor, and malty, woody, lightly honeyed notes. Certified organic, it is grown at the Tonganagaon estate in India.
What is the price of Assam Tonganagaon tea?
Pricing depends on the size chosen. Current formats and prices are listed on the product page. As a rare grand cru, this tea is priced in keeping with its SFTGFOP 1 quality and organic certification.
To discover more treasures from our collection, take a look at our dedicated pages for White Monkey 1st Grade Deluxe green tea and organic Shincha Miyazaki, two rare crus that complement our selection beautifully.
