"Estate" tea?

[s(tea)ven]

Hello everyone, long time lurker and first time poster.

I've been reading a lot about tea lately and trying to learn more and more. I have seen the word "estate" attached to various kinds of tea (mostly black) What does that mean?

[Victoria]

Estate tea simply means it comes from one estate or farm, and is most often used when describing Darjeeling. Glenburn Estate is the the Glenburn brand grown on their farm. It also indicates that it is one crop and not blended. So you are getting a quality leaf which has certain characteristics of that farm and you can buy from year to year knowing, at least somewhat, what to expect.

Of course many oolongs are processed the same way, from single "estates" and could easily call themselves as such. But it is more of an Indian terminology thing.

Welcome to the board!

[s(tea)ven]

Oh ok. I figured it had something to do with not being blended. Thanks!

[Victoria]

You are welcome, sorry to emote! I'm convinced for Darjeeling, it's the only way to go.

[s(tea)ven]

I actually just received my sample of Darjeeling #2 from Adagio today, my first Darjeeling. All I can say is wow!

[Victoria]

Great! Next time try #1 which is a First Flush Darjeeling and see which you like best. The First Flushes are greener and have more of a "bite", the second flushes are smoother. But it's all good.

[s(tea)ven]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely be trying more Darjeelings

[sneakers]

My Assams, Nilgiris and Ceylons come from single estates. Does "estate tea" refer only to Darjeelings?

[Victoria]

No it applies to any, it's just more commonly used with Darjeeling.