Summer River Estate Assam Black
The origin story
Orthodox Assam the way the valley actually makes it
The Brahmaputra valley grows the strongest black tea in India, but most of it is crushed for tea bags before it ever has a chance to speak. Summer River Estate Black is whole-leaf, orthodox-rolled Assam from a single summer harvest — malty and full without the bitterness mass production trades for speed.
- Region
- Assam, Brahmaputra Valley
- Sourcing
- Single estate
- Harvest
- Summer harvest · Orthodox
- Garden
- River valley lowlands
Tasting notes
What's in the cup
- Aroma Malt, raisin, warm wood
- Body Bold, brisk, deep copper
- Finish Long and malty, stands up to milk
Brewing guide
How to brew it well
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
A splash of whole milk
How Assam is drunk at origin
Spiced breakfast breads
Malt meets cinnamon
A full breakfast
This tea was built for it
Questions
Before you brew
Where does this tea actually come from?
Assam, Brahmaputra Valley — 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.
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Product Info
Assam Orthodox Black Tea
A bold, full-bodied Assam black tea with rich malty depth, dark honey sweetness, and a smooth finish.
Grown in the fertile plains of Assam, India, this traditional orthodox black tea offers the bold character for which the region is famous.
The liquor is a deep amber color with a full, malty body and layered notes of dark honey and toasted grain.
Rich, satisfying, and beautifully balanced, it makes an exceptional morning tea and pairs especially well with milk.
Origin
From the lush plains of Assam in India, one of the world’s most celebrated tea-growing regions.
Tasting Notes
Full-bodied and malty with notes of dark honey and toasted grain. A rich, satisfying cup with a smooth finish.
Steeping Guide
Tea: 1 tsp per cup
Water Temperature: 205–212°F (96–100°C)
Steep Time: 3–4 minutes
Why You’ll Love It
- Bold and malty Assam character
- Perfect for mornings
- Excellent with or without milk
- Rich flavor with a smooth finish
© 2026 KVL Hill Garden Teas
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Sku:
ASS-BLK-SUM-P-7
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Brand:
KVL Hill Garden Teas