Castleton TGBOP FF

About This Tea

Castleton Tea Estate, perched in Darjeeling’s misty Kurseong South Valley, actually has a castle of sorts, as well as a history colored by storybook details. No one is sure of the castle’s origin, though it’s probably just a building left behind by a long-ago money lender. Originally planted in 1885 by an enterprising Englishman, the estate has passed through the hands of Calcutta royalty, and still uses names rather than numbers to designate specific areas in the garden. The original name of this garden was Kumseri. The various sections of this gardens are known as Bhalu Khop (bear cave), Jim Basha (the erstwhile manager’s domain), Dhobitar (washerman’s clothes line) and Baseri (resting place). Whimsey takes a back seat, though, when it comes to producing quality teas. Castleton is planted mostly with China bushes. The estate covers 471.20 Ha (1164.360 acres), about 318.98 Ha (788.216  acres) of which is under tea cultivation. Up to 665 people, including temporary employees, work in the garden during its busiest season. Castleton tea is Orthodox and hand-picked. Exact production techniques are closely guarded secrets, but outside of picking, much of the production process is mechanized to ensure consistency and even production. Castleton was the first tea garden to be awarded ISO 9000 certification in September, 1994. https://worldteanews.com/tea-industry-news-and-features/castleton-tea-estate-kurseong-district-darjeeling-india One of the most prestigious gardens in Darjeeling, Castleton is the crème de la crème of fine teas. Planted in 1885 by Dr. Charles Graham, the garden has consistently fetched record prices at tea auctions and is sought after by tea connoisseurs and royalty alike in different parts of the world. Castleton's teas, created from select and pure China bushes are exquisite and delicate. Fragrant like roses, golden like sun-spun amber, the teas are most prized for their unique ‘muscatels', comparable to sweet summer wines, with intense fragrant top notes of musk. Castleton is truly the abode of the Gods. Here, mountain, earth, sun, mist and dew, shed their gentle blessings to produce the world's finest teas.Goodricke’s have pursued Castleton’s fine tradition of excellence and have been the guardians of this treasure for many years. http://www.goodricke.com/tea-garden/assam/castleton