Tihar Smoked Oolong Tea

Black Yeti is a classic Nepalese oolong made during the crisp days and long, cool nights of autumn in Ilam. Its deep amber liquor has notes of stewed apricot, barley, and honey, as the leaves unfurl over many steeps. Notes of stewed plum and caramel will continue to develop as the tea is enjoyed.

Dragon Claw is a robust, summer-picked oolong tea that is best described using the Nepalese tribal expression, “Mio Kulang,” which means dragon or eagle claws. It is highly oxidized, which gives it a deep brown liquor with notes of candied hazelnuts, nutmeg, and apricot jam. As the tea is steeped and enjoyed, notes of brown sugar and toasted walnut develop.

Cultivated during the summer flush, the tea is plucked at the beginning of the harvest when the leaves are dark green. Processing begins with mechanical rolling and shaping, which gently bruises the leaves and darkens the color, and indicates that its oxidation (60%) is complete. Its deep color reveals a surprisingly golden cup, with a rich-tasting amber cup.

Inspired by the serene beauty of the Namche region, our Namche Oolong Tea embodies the essence of the mountains.

During late spring and early summer, under the gentle rays of the sun, skilled hands pluck silvery buds and tender leaves. These delicate treasures embark on a meticulously choreographed journey, starting with a tender withering process, as the hours pass and nature's breath weaves its magic.

Hand-rolled with the utmost care, the leaves rest and harmonize with the elements, unveiling their unique character as they change color. A touch of artistry elevates the tea through a gentle tight roll, akin to the sublime Annapurna Oolong Tea. However, the true essence lies in the final shaping process, where the leaves gracefully acquire their captivating texture, a testament to the dedication of tea artisans.

Finally, the leaves are dried and lovingly sorted, ensuring only the finest reach your cup. The orange-hued liquor has notes of nectarine, walnuts, and wildflowers, with subtle tannins that develop into a sweet finish. This oolong tea offers a sublime taste journey, inspired by the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

Surrender to the allure of this exceptional elixir, and with every precious sip, let the essence of Sandakphu Garden enchant your senses, evoking the poetry of nature in each moment of indulgence.

*Micro lot- Packaging may vary*

Ruby is a summer-picked oolong with a long oxidation process, giving it a strong and long-lasting flavor profile. Its distinct, deep red liquor has assertive notes of toasted pecan, brown sugar, and nectarine. As the tea is steeped, notes of honey and oak gradually develop. It is a wonderful tea to enjoy all day long.

Ruby depicts “Fire”- the character is strength, vitality, and a lasting, yet smooth finish. This Ruby is hand-rolled, followed by brief and gentle mechanical rolling to give it a fine twist.  It is oxidized over 24 hours at 6500 feet elevation. The constant flow of cold mist supplied by nature at this altitude makes the oxidation process extremely slow, which allows a gradual change of polyphenols to flavonoids (theaflavins and thearubigins) to such an extent that they wind up almost equal in ratio. Once the quintessential hue and nose (flavor) is attained during this natural oxidation process, this tea is dried slowly and matured over time to perfection.