Ingredients

Black tea | Golden Tips (camellia sinensis)

Producer

Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Center Pvt. Ltd. (KTERC). KTERC is the first certified organic tea garden in Nepal that was established in 1984 by Mr. Deepak Prakash Baskota to rid his community of poverty. It remains a model social enterprise still today, that runs on cooperative infrastructure and is truly focused on the people and planet before profit.

Production Process

Our special Kumari Gold black tea, often known as golden tips tea, has quite a bit of unique tweaks to the normal black tea processing technique. Similar to other specialty teas, generally only one (sometimes two) leaves and the terminal bud are carefully plucked during the second flush (summer season). The freshly hand-plucked delicate leaves are withered for several hours to get the moisture out of the tea leaves so that the leaves remain intact during the rolling process. The rolling process is done in several stages with low-medium and high pressure during which great care is taken so as not to break the leaves but also bring out the essential oils and other aromatic components of tea to life. After a complete rolling process of about 20-25 minutes, the leaves are set to oxidize (some might call this fermentation, however it is only reacting with oxygen so there is no actual bacterial fermentation going on) for 8-10 hours depending on the type of leaves and the season.

During the oxidation process, the leaves are turned and set in many different positions in frequent intervals. This is not only critical in bringing out the desired flavors, but it also enhances the golden coloring of the buds through oxidation. At the peak of their aroma, the leaves are sent for the drying process, which captures the flavors and the aromas that are later prominent in the cup of the drinker when brewed.

Origin

Our tea garden is nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, in the eastern part of Nepal. Located precisely near the western borders of Darjeeling, India and north of the Illam, the most famous tea growing region in Nepal, our small village enjoys the best of both worlds. Situated at an altitude of 1300-1800 meters (4,200 - 6000 feet), the area enjoys a pristine himalayan climatic conditions to produce highly unique and aromatic teas.

Who is Kumari Gold for?

This special golden tips tea will intrigue tea novices and connoisseurs both. Tea lovers with aptitude for Yunnan Gold, Golden Monkey or any other golden tips tea will surely enjoy this beautiful cup. With very little astringency and a lot of toasty sweet notes, it is sure to become a favorite of yours - it didn’t become our best selling tea for no reason!

Who is Kumari Gold dedicated to?

This tea is very special to us. The name "Kumari" represents the only form of living Goddess in Nepal and also happens to be the middle name of our founder’s mother. She planted the first tea bush in the Tea Estate (which was their backyard back then) in 1984. She has truly been the living Goddess of all the farmers who work for our factory and their children. Therefore, we dedicate this most precious tea to her.

Awards and Recognition

• 1st place winner of the 2020 Toronto Tea Festival
• 3rd Prize at the 2020 Paris Tea Competition AVPA
• 93/100 score at Tea Epicure from Tony Geebly

What are the pros saying about this tea?

• Tea Epicure Review
• Hanamichi Review
• Tea Happiness Review
• Tea Journeyman Review
• Gongfu Brewing
• 195 degrees (20 Seconds + 5 Seconds Additional)
• Candidate for Gongfu: Yes
• Evolution of Flavor Profile: Became more balanced between green, woodsy, and bitter notes.
• Body and Aromatics: This tea has thick body and aromatics that last through many steepings ( I took this tea to 10). It has a persistent bitterness that isn't drying and yields quickly to melon and spice notes.
• Steeping Parameters: Good as stated.
• Structure: During the first three steepings the bitterness evolved into astringency. By the 4th steeping the lingering caramel sweetness finally became more present and balanced the tannic notes.
• Notes: Because it doesn't have a structured flavor from the first steeping, I would recommend this tea brewed gongfu for the more experienced drinker.