Founded in 1858, Kalej Valley is one of the traditional tea estates of Darjeeling. It was closed for several years before a new ownership team reopened this estate in 2022. The estate features a high percentage of China variety tea bushes across an altitude range of 4500 feet to 6000 feet above sea level. Because of the high proportion of China bushes, the leaves retain a pleasing green tinge even in the fall, when many Darjeeling teas darken in tone.
The tea batch we have is a carefully selected harvest which has a mix of greenish black hue, with numerous buds and few stalks. This Darjeeling Tea is distinct from the others, with a taste sensation that is fruity, tangy, and slightly wooden; it is a tea that requires a few sips to fully appreciate. The brew produced has a mellow yellow cup and is medium bodied. The cup changes as it cools, emitting a constant aroma, making it one of the best cups for those who prefer their tea strong.
