Singell 1st Flush 2026 Darjeeling Organic

DJ02/26 — the second batch of this year's First Flush from the Singell Estate, Kurseong Valley. 2026 has been a genuinely challenging year for Darjeeling: a very dry winter followed by erratic spring rainfall put the region's gardens under real stress. Singell's high-altitude heritage bushes are among the most resilient in the district, and this tea is testament to that.

The aroma is distinctively Darjeeling — sweet, floral, and immediately transporting. The liquor is pale gold. On the palate it's brisk and lively as you'd expect from a First Flush, but with a lovely smoothness that I find impressive for the season. The florals are pronounced but delicate, and there's a beautiful honeyed finish with a suggestion of apricot. Not as fruity as a Second Flush, but all the more refined for it. In a harder year for Darjeeling, this is where the quality held.

Singell is one of the oldest gardens in Darjeeling, established in 1871 and now certified Organic and Fairtrade. The Heritage section is planted with 150-year-old seed-grown China-variety bushes at altitude, farmed using biodynamic methods.

As always it is worth having a play with the brewing parameters, both time and temperature, depending on how you like to drink your 1st Flush. 

Ingredients || Organic Black Tea (SFTGFOP1 Orthodox) (DJ02/26)

Warning, packed in an environment that contains nuts

Caffeine || Yes

Tasting Notes || Delicate florals, honeyed finish, hint of apricot

Brewing Notes || 1 teaspoon per cup, 95ºC, brew for 3 minutes. Best without milk.