The origin story

A tea with a name and a place

Every KVL tea begins with a name and a place. First Flush Darjeeling is sourced and blended with the same discipline as everything we make — real leaf, documented origin, original artwork on every tin.

Region
India
Sourcing
Single estate
Harvest
Documented harvest
Garden
Hill garden

Tasting notes

What's in the cup

  • Aroma Fresh leaf and warm earth
  • Body Balanced and articulate
  • Finish Clean, lingering

Brewing guide

How to brew it well

203°FWater
3–4 minSteep
1 tsp / 8 ozLeaf
2–3×Infusions

Use fresh, filtered water. The leaf will tell you when it is ready — trust your nose before the clock.

Pairs well with

At the table

Plain shortbread

Lets the leaf speak first

Toasted sourdough with butter

Morning simplicity

Dark chocolate, 70%

For the slow second cup

Questions

Before you brew

Where does this tea actually come from?

India — single estate. Every KVL single-estate tea traces to one garden, one flush, one harvest window, and our blends are built from estate teas we can name. If we can't trace it, we don't sell it.

How fresh is it?

Most commercial tea is 12–18 months old before it reaches a shelf. Ours travels from estate to your door in 4–8 weeks. Stored sealed, away from light and heat, it will hold its character for 12 months or more.

How many cups will I get?

A 2 oz (50 g) pouch brews roughly 20–25 cups; 3.5 oz (100 g) roughly 40–50. Most of our whole-leaf teas re-steep well, so the real number is usually higher.

What is the artwork on the tin?

Original artwork by Chitran, created for this tea. Each illustration draws from Indian cultural traditions and tells the story of this tea's character — a fusion of English and Hindu artistic traditions, and a different image for every tea we make.

Can I subscribe to this tea?

Subscription is coming soon, with savings and early access to Reserve drops. Join the newsletter at the bottom of the page and you'll hear when it opens.

  • Product Info

    First Light of Darjeeling

    A prized Darjeeling first flush tea with delicate florals, green almond freshness, and a crisp mountain finish.

    The celebrated spring harvest from Darjeeling yields one of the world’s most elegant and sought-after teas. First Light of Darjeeling captures the freshness and vitality of the Himalayan spring season.

    Bright and lively, the cup reveals delicate floral aromas, notes of green almond, and the refreshing character often described as the scent of fresh mountain air.

    Crisp, refined, and beautifully aromatic, this tea reflects the purity and elegance that make Darjeeling first flush teas famous around the world.


    Origin

    The prized spring harvest from the high-elevation tea gardens of Darjeeling in the Himalayan foothills of India.


    Tasting Notes

    Bright and lively with green almond freshness, wildflower florals, and a crisp, refreshing finish that captures the essence of early spring in the Himalayas.


    Steeping Guide

    Tea: 1 tsp per cup

    Water Temperature: 195–200°F (90–93°C)

    Steep Time: 2–3 minutes


    Why You’ll Love It

    • Authentic Darjeeling first flush tea
    • Elegant spring harvest character
    • Delicate floral aromas with crisp freshness
    • One of the most celebrated teas of the Himalayas

    © 2026 KVL Hill Garden Teas

  • Sku:

    DAR-BLK-FF-P-2

  • Brand:

    KVL Hill Garden Teas

  • Collection:

    Black Tea