Darjeeling

There is an unspoken code among Darjeeling drinkers in our shop. It’s that little nod of recognition between savants. Not quite as exacting as a Masonic handshake, but somewhat more involved than, say, the affection between Volkswagen drivers. A good Darjeeling is the tea world’s equivalent of old fashioned tailoring: a classic, a sign of taste.

Darjeeling tea is grown on the southern edge of the Himalayas, within sight of Mount Everest. The height, the soil and weather conspire to create some of the best conditions for growing tea anywhere in the world, and the end result is coveted by tea lovers everywhere. The taste is milder than, say, a typical breakfast blend: rich, aromatic and given to a wealth of nuances. Once you’re a Darjeeling lover, you may end up seeking out other connoisseurs who share your appreciation. Or perhaps they’ll find you.