Although similar in character to a Darjeeling tea, the tea plants used to make this tea do not actually go dormant in the winter. We would say the flavour profile of this rare tea is something between a first and second flush Darjeeling. While it has a similar light body to a first flush Darjeeling the aroma of the dry leaf is quite different: floral but at the same time temptingly grassy. Although it might smell like freshly mown hay, the flavour of the brewed tea is both fruity and flowery, with hardly any astringency.
Harvested on 2nd January 2026, this batch of Kairbetta Frost Tea has beautifully crafted leaves.
The leaves were plucked early in the morning (just around sunrise time) when they had some frost on the leaves. The tea has a unique flavour comprising of chrysanthemum, jasmine, peach and a hint of lemon zest. This combination gives an aromatic flavour that is very sweet and crisp. The best part is that it the flavours intensify as the tea cools.
Nilgiri Kairbetta Frost Tea comes from the Kairbetta Estates plantation and factory, which are positioned just outside of Kotagiri town in the Nilgiri Hills of Southen India, at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. Kairbetta is one of the premium tea producers in India and in the tea world it is especially respected for its high altitude orthodox teas as well as certain seasonal speciality teas.
This Nilgiri Kairbetta Frost Tea is an outstanding example of a speciality tea. Made during the cold season (December – February), the cooler temperatures slow down the growth of the plants, concentrating the aromatic compounds within the leaf and leading to a more complex aroma and flavour. The cooler temperatures also allow the Estate to carry out a more moderate withering of the leaves, which in turn draws out more of the floral and fruit notes within the leaves.
Just like some of our top grade first flush Darjeelings, this tea can be brewed a second time, in fact it re-steeps surprisingly well, with the second infusion being remarkably similar to the first. For the price this is an exceptional tea, especially compared to the first flush Darjeelings we have of a similar quality. We completely understand why this is one of best-selling teas.
Harvested
2. January 2026
Origin
Nilgiri, India
Body
Medium
Flavours
Honey, peaches, chrysanthemum
Temperature
95°C
Time
3 Min
Infusions
1 - 2
Ingredients
Black Tea
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