A Fresh Dawn with Darjeeling First Flush 2025: A Tasting Session at Puttabong Tea Estate
The new season dawned quietly over Puttabong Tea Estate, a tranquil expanse nestled in the misty hills of Darjeeling. It was early spring, and the air carried the promise of renewal as the tea bushes, roused from their winter slumber, offered their tender first leaves. The year was 2025, and with it came the much-anticipated Darjeeling First Flush—a tea celebrated for its fleeting freshness and delicate complexity. On this crisp morning, we gathered to mark the beginning of the season with a tasting session, sampling three freshly made lots from clonal varieties: EX2, EX3, and EX4. The setting was Puttabong, one of Darjeeling’s most storied estates, and the experience was nothing short of a revelation.
Puttabong: A Legacy in Every Leaf
Before delving into the tasting, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the place that made this moment possible. Puttabong Tea Estate, established in 1852 by Dr. Campbell, holds the honor of being Darjeeling’s first commercial tea plantation. Sprawling across elevations from 1,500 to 6,500 feet, the estate is cradled by the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga, its slopes kissed by cool breezes and enriched by fertile soil. This unique terroir, combined with a dedication to organic practices and clonal cultivation, has earned Puttabong a revered place among tea lovers. The clonal varieties—carefully bred tea plants selected for their exceptional flavor profiles—promise teas that are both distinctive and refined, a testament to the estate’s legacy of craftsmanship.
As we stood amidst the rolling greenery, the mist still lingered, softening the outlines of the hills. The sun peeked through, casting a gentle light over the tasting table where three cups steamed invitingly. These were the first fruits of the 2025 harvest, plucked at dawn and processed with precision to capture the essence of spring. The lots—EX2, EX3, and EX4—represented the season’s opening notes, and we were eager to discover what they held.
The Ritual Begins
Tasting a First Flush is a ritual, a moment to savor the ephemeral beauty of tea at its freshest. The table was set simply: three cups, each brimming with golden liquor, their aromas rising to meet the morning air. We approached with quiet anticipation, knowing that these teas, born of clonal bushes, would reveal the artistry of Puttabong’s tea makers. The First Flush, harvested in the early spring, is prized for its briskness and delicate flavors—a fleeting snapshot of the season’s awakening.
EX2: A Gentle Introduction
I began with EX2, lifting the cup to inhale its scent. The aroma was soft and floral, like a meadow of wildflowers touched by dew. The liquor glowed a pale golden hue, almost translucent in the morning light. On the palate, it was lively and brisk, a classic trait of First Flush Darjeelings. Fresh green notes emerged, perhaps a whisper of young grass, with a faint citrusy lift that brightened the sip. It was a charming start, a gentle nod to the new season. Yet, as I lingered over the aftertaste, it slipped away too soon—a delicate echo that faded before it could fully resonate. EX2 was lovely, but it left me curious for more depth.
EX3: The Heart of the Season
Next came EX3, and even before tasting, it hinted at something special. The aroma was richer, a tapestry of floral and fruity notes that wove together seamlessly. The color deepened to a warm amber, suggesting a tea with presence. As I sipped, the texture surprised me—silky and smooth, it coated my mouth with a quiet elegance. A sweetness unfurled, reminiscent of ripe peaches or sun-warmed apricots, followed by a subtle astringency that balanced the profile perfectly. But it was the aftertaste that stole the show. It lingered, long and luxurious, unfolding like a slow bloom. A trace of spice—perhaps cinnamon or a whisper of cardamom—danced on my tongue, leaving a memory that refused to fade. EX3 was more than a tea; it was an experience, a celebration of Puttabong’s mastery.
EX4: Bold but Unrefined
Finally, I turned to EX4. The aroma here was striking, bold and almost muscatel—a note more typical of the later Second Flush. The liquor was darker, a deep gold that hinted at a fuller body. On tasting, it delivered a robust punch, with a pronounced astringency that might appeal to those who favor a stronger brew. It had character, no doubt, but the aftertaste fell short of EX3’s finesse. It lingered, yes, but without the layered complexity that had made EX3 so captivating. EX4 was a tea with force, but it lacked the grace and harmony that elevate a good cup to greatness.
The Verdict: EX3 Shines Bright
As we set down our cups and exchanged impressions, one lot emerged as the clear standout: EX3. While EX2 offered a delicate opening and EX4 a bold flourish, EX3 struck a perfect chord. Its balance of sweetness, texture, and astringency was impressive, but it was the aftertaste—rich, lingering, and nuanced—that set it apart. The clonal variety had clearly played its part, yielding a tea that encapsulated the spirit of Puttabong’s terroir and the skill of its artisans. EX2 was a fleeting delight, and EX4 a strong contender, but EX3 was the one that stayed with us, both in flavor and in memory.
A Season Begins
This tasting session marked more than just the evaluation of three lots; it was the christening of the 2025 season, a moment to honor the cycle of growth and harvest. The First Flush is a fleeting treasure, its flavors a fleeting snapshot of spring’s first breath. At Puttabong, this tradition is elevated by a commitment to quality—evident in the tender leaves plucked at dawn, the careful processing that preserves their essence, and the clonal varieties that bring unique character to each cup.
As the mist lifted and the sun climbed higher, I took one final sip of EX3, letting its aftertaste wash over me. It was a fitting herald for the season ahead—a tea that spoke of heritage, innovation, and the quiet beauty of Darjeeling’s hills. Puttabong had once again proven why it remains a cornerstone of tea culture, and EX3 stood as a shining testament to the promise of 2025. Here, amidst the misty slopes, the new season had begun in earnest, and it tasted like perfection.