Darjeeling, land of thunderbolts (Darjeeling means this, literally) and great teas! Darjeeling? Darjeeling is a Himalayan town in the state of West Bengal in eastern India. The soil and climatic conditions that exist there create teas that are treasured for their delicate taste. Often referred to as the Champagne of teas, Darjeeling teas are so prized that the government there created a special logo that certifies that the teas bearing it were actually grown in this beautiful mountain terrain. Nothing less. I have a profound love for the teas produced in the Darjeeling region. Their unique and complex flavor appease my mind and, in a way only people really “into” tea can understand, fill me with happiness and contentment. Amongst the Darjeeling teas I had the chance to taste, my favorite comes from a particular tea garden : the world renowned Margarets Hope Estate. Margarets Hope I must say the black tea produced on Margarets Hope Estate is, up to now, my favorite. Complex flavor, orange and honey aftertaste, this tea is just wonderful! Margaret’s Hope Estate is located in the Northern Valley of Kurseong, the land of white Orchid, in Darjeeling, very close to Longivew Highlands at an altitude ranging between 350 feet to 600 feet where two rivers flows by through the plantation area covering approximately 361 hectares. Because of high elevation and the resulting cooler temperatures, the teas of Margeret’s Hope is produced much late as compared to the other tea gardens of Darjeeling, which are located at lower altitudes. Originally established as Bara Ringtong in 1830, the estate came to be known as Margarets Hope Estate in 1927. Margaret was the daughter of the tea estate owner, Mr Bagdon, and, as the story goes, She fell in love with the gardens, and was saddened when she and her mother had to return to England. The family decided she would return to India as soon as possible, but on the four month long journey at sea tragedy struck. Margaret became ill and died on the voyage. Mr. Bagdonwho would not be separated from his estate for this trip, was overcome with grief. Nothing seemed to raise his spirits until one day a vision of Margaret came to him as he was walking through the gardens. The estate, previously named Bara Ringtong, would be renamed in memory of her. Now a century later Margaret’s Hope Estate is one of the most renown estates in the Darjeeling region, and continues to produce exceptional teas that are as enduring as the memory of its namesake.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 15:53:33 +0000