ABOUT THE GARDEN
Puttabong Tea Estate, formerly known as Tukvar Tea Estate, is one of the most historic and renowned tea gardens in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, India. Established in 1852 by Dr. Archibald Campbell, it is widely regarded as the first tea plantation in the Darjeeling hills, playing a pioneering role in the development of Darjeeling tea.
Located about 9 km from Darjeeling town, the estate stretches across scenic Himalayan slopes ranging roughly from 500 to over 6,000 feet in elevation, creating diverse microclimates ideal for producing high-quality Darjeeling teas. The garden spans a large area across several divisions and cultivates a mix of Chinese seed and clonal tea bushes, which are particularly suited to the region’s terroir. The name “Puttabong” comes from a local Lepcha expression meaning “house of green leaves.” Today the estate is owned and managed by Jay Shree Tea & Industries Ltd., part of the B.K. Birla Group. Puttabong is known globally for its exceptional first flush teas, prized for their delicate floral character and finesse.
Over the years, the estate has achieved several milestones, including producing teas that have fetched record auction prices and becoming one of the first Darjeeling gardens to receive ISO certification for manufacturing, plantation, and marketing.
More Information
BEST TIME TO DRINK
Early Morning (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM) – Ideal Time
- Best enjoyed as your first tea of the day
- Light, fresh flavor gently awakens the senses
- Perfect without milk, preferably without sugar
Mid-Morning (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Great Option
- Refreshes the mind without feeling heavy
- Enhances focus and clarity
BREWING INSTRUCTIONS
Use filtered or bottled water.
Heat the water to 95°C.
Put in 2.5 g of loose tea for every cup (180 ml).
Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
Strain into a cup and serve.
tasting note
Dry Leaf : A well-made, tightly rolled leaf exhibiting a distinctly wiry and twisted structure. The appearance presents a sophisticated interplay of dark olive and deep greenish hues, interspersed with a generous proportion of prominent silver tips.Infusion : A bright and lovely infusion showcasing a vibrant appearance of fresh green and pale yellowish-olive tones. It carries a bright aroma characterized by floral and vegetal sweet notes.Liquor : A brilliantly clean liquor exhibiting a vibrant, light golden cup with exceptional luminosity and brightness. The bouquet offers notes of Bengal quince leaf, jasmine flowers, and unripe peach, followed by a silky, thin, and refreshing mouthfeel. It leaves a sweet, lingering floral finish on the palate.