Arunachal Pradesh Donyi Polo Estate SFTGFOP Tippy (Rare Tea)

Our Arunachal Pradesh Donyi Polo Estate SFTGFOP Tippy is a rarity in the tea world.  We have been lucky enough to get our hands on a couple of kilos, so when it’s gone that’s it.  If you enjoy Assam and Darjeeling tea, Donyi Polo black tea should really speak to you.  Small golden tips decorate the dark brown leaves, leading to a deep amber cup is rich and complex, fragrant with hints of honey and biscuit.  Notes of dried fruit and a whisper of Burgundy lead to a crisp, clean finish.

Arunachal Pradesh is the northeastern most state in India. The word “Pradesh” is Hindi for “region”. Arunachal Pradesh borders Assam to the south, but is surrounded by Chinese-controlled Tibet on most sides. China disputes the border, claiming part of the region.

The region is not nearly as well-known in tea production as other nearby regions such as Assam or Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh still produces teas, mostly in the region bordering Assam. Often when it is discussed as a tea producing region, it is discussed alongside Assam.

Dry leaf has a sweet, light vegetal aroma more suggestive of a Darjeeling than an Assam.  There are strong suggestions of wintergreen.

The cup is intensely fruity.  The fruitiness is reminiscent of dried grapes.  Light and with a cooling character.  Surprisingly thin-bodied and light.  Buttery-smooth with light hints of astringency.

Other Notes: The Golden Tippy Tea is a single estate Arunachal Black Tea. It is our finest grade of full leaf Arunachal orthodox black tea. The taste is soft and brisk, the texture is silky and the flavor is malty with a sweetish brisk, wet ending. The name “golden tippy” refers to some of the tender tea leaves that turned golden instead of black when they were dried, and these golden tips gives an impressive look to this royalty of the Arunachal black teas.