Darjeeling Black First Flush FTGFOP1 Soom Garden

Details

• Origin: South West Bengal
• Estate: Soom garden (130 year old tea trees)
• Tea Grade: Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe 1
• Ingredients: organic darjeeling, organic beetroot sugar, water, kombucha culture.
• Unpasteurized, unfiltered, naturally carbonated, bottle aged.
• Tasting notes: hay, dry nettle, wild flowers, chamomile, iodine
• Pair with: lamb tartare, roasted cauliflower, flat oysters from Zeeland, lobster
• 75cl Bottle / Caffeine 26mg/100gr / Sugar 0gr/100gr / ABV 2.5%

Award

Bronze - International Wine and Spirit Competition 2024

History

Founded in 1859, the Soom Estate stands as the pioneering tea plantation in Darjeeling. Spanning over 237 hectares and perched at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level, this estate is nestled just 18 kilometers from the heart of Darjeeling in the Himalayan massif of south-west Bengal. The name "soom" originates from the Lepcha dialect, signifying a triangle, describing the estate's distinctive contours. Cultivating tea trees that produces for over 130 years, Soom Estate holds the distinction of being among the 86 gardens recognized by the Darjeeling Plantation Association. Only loose leaf teas are considered to be original Darjeeling tea. We have the pleasure of working with a black first flush FTGFOP1 (Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe 1). This first spring harvest undergoes a short oxidation process that retains its herbaceous notes, explosive attack, and sweet finish. The incomparable finesse of these teas has given them the nickname of 'champagne' of black teas.

Design

One of my favourite species and perhaps the most legendary wild cat still living in India, is the Bengal tiger. Currently on the list of endangered species, their population is fastly decreasing due to the reduction and destruction of its natural habitat ranging from tropical forest to mangroves. It’s with respect that we associate the spirit of Panthera tigris tigris with this iconic tea. One representing the brewery supporting our research with its cantankerous and wild character, the other one supporting our brewing interpretation research by its amazing flavor profile. Besides Brindi has such a talent when it comes to drawing big cats, capturing their beauty and raw power with his masterful strokes.

• Drawing: Brindi Tattoo
• Design: Tegroeg Studio
• Video: Charles Villeneuve