Gopaldhara Spring Aroma First Flush Black Tea
Gopaldhara Spring Aroma First Flush is a celebrated single-estate black tea harvested during the early spring flush from the high-elevation slopes of Mirik Valley, Darjeeling (perched between 5,500 and 7,000 feet). Crafted from heritage Chinary bushes and delicate young tea buds, this tea epitomizes the crisp, refined character of a quintessential Himalayan first flush.
Aroma & Appearance: Well-rolled, tender olive-green leaves with visible tips that infuse into a clear, radiant pale-golden cup. It opens with an uplifting, sweet floral fragrance reminiscent of mountain wildflowers and fresh spring greens.
Flavor Profile: Light-bodied, brisk, and exceptionally smooth. The palate features delicate floral sweetness, crisp vegetal freshness, mild fruity undertones, and minimal astringency, concluding with a clean, lingering floral aftertaste.
Product Details
Gopaldhara Spring Aroma First Flush Black Tea is a signature harvest crafted by the historic Gopaldhara Tea Estate, situated in the high-elevation Mirik Valley of Darjeeling. Sourced during the early spring flush, this tea represents the pinnacle of Himalayan terroir, where cold winter dormancy gives way to delicate first growth.
Terroir & Botanical Heritage
Origin & Elevation: Cultivated on steep Himalayan slopes ranging between 5,500 and 7,000 feet above sea level. The cool mountain air, persistent mists, and sharp day-night temperature swings allow the leaves to develop slowly, locking in concentrated aromatic oils and natural sugars.
Plant Varietal: Plucked predominantly from century-old heritage Camellia sinensis sinensis (Chinary) bushes and heritage China hybrids—some dating back over 130 years. These deep-rooted legacy bushes impart mineral depth and nuanced complexity distinct from commercial clonal plantings.
Processing & Leaf Profile
Dry Leaf: Carefully hand-plucked using traditional "two leaves and a bud" standards. The dry leaf consists of slender, well-rolled dark-green to olive needles adorned with silver and pale green tips.
Oxidation Level: While classified as a black tea, it undergoes a controlled, gentle oxidation typical of fine Darjeeling first flushes. This preserves the vibrant green hues and brisk botanical essence rather than turning the leaf completely dark.
Sensory Experience
Liquor: Infuses into a clear, luminescent pale gold to bright amber liquor with remarkable clarity.
Aroma: Opens with an immediate, high-pitched floral bouquet reminiscent of wild orchids, fresh jasmine, and crushed sweet grass, backed by hints of stone fruits.
Flavor Profile: Light-bodied, silky, and crisp. The palate opens with fresh spring greens and wild florals, giving way to subtle notes of green apple, white peach, and faint muscatel sweetness.
Mouthfeel & Finish: Extremely smooth with minimal astringency and zero heaviness. It leaves a clean, lingering floral sweetness on the palate that gently echoes long after each sip.
Brewing Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Leaf Quantity | 2 to 2.5 g (approx. 1 heaping tsp) per 200 ml water |
| Water Temperature | 85°C – 90°C (Avoid rolling boiling water to prevent scalding delicate tips) |
| Steep Time | 3 to 4 minutes |
| Serving Style | Pure / Straight (Never add milk; sweeten only with faint raw honey if desired) |
| Multiple Steeps | Leaves can be re-steeped once; the second infusion offers a softer, sweeter character |