A cup of deep amber smoked oolong tea from Nepal with dark, tightly curled loose leaves.

Nepali Oolong Tea Loose Leaf – Tihar Smoked, Bold Oak

Smoked Oak · Dark Caramel · Charcoal. Soft oolong sweetness, warm rounded finish.

Caffeine

8 reviews
$ 23.99
$ 23.99
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Less than $0.70 per cup
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🚚 Ships 1–2 days from Saugus, MA

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About This Tea

★★★★★ Verified Buyer

"Absolutely superb! Wonderful product. Perfect Smokey sense to the nose and subtle flavor. Excellent!"

💰 Less than $0.70 per cup — re-steep 2 times to deepen the smoke profile. Each infusion brings out new layers of oak, charcoal, and dark caramel.
👉 Limited autumn harvest. Tihar is small-batch smoked over oak in a single seasonal run — once it's gone, it's gone until next year. The 3.2 oz bag yields ~36 cups of bold, aromatic smoke.
🚚
Ships 1–2 days
Saugus, MA
🌾
Single-Origin
Ilam, Nepal
🔥
Oak-Smoked
Lapsang Alternative

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Ilam, Nepal · autumn harvest
  • Type: Smoked oolong · oak-smoked · whole leaf
  • Caffeine: Medium (~25–45 mg per 8 oz cup — about a third of coffee)
  • Brew: 195°F · 3–4 minutes · re-steeps 2 times
  • Certifications: Single-origin · direct-trade (not USDA Organic — small smoke-house production doesn't qualify)
  • Specialty: Lapsang Souchong alternative — smoked over oak, not pine
  • Taste: Smoked oak, charcoal, dark caramel — bold, aromatic, warming finish

Tihar Smoked Oolong is a single-origin, oak-smoked oolong from Ilam, Nepal — one of the country's rarest teas. Hand-picked during the crisp autumn harvest and slow-smoked over oak in our cooperative's small smoke-house, it brews a bold, aromatic cup with deep notes of smoked oak, charcoal, and dark caramel. Whole-leaf and finished in a limited seasonal run that sells through quickly.

Built for fans of Lapsang Souchong who want a single-origin alternative outside Fujian, Tihar is smoked over oak (not pine) — so the smoke profile is rounder, less resinous, and pairs cleanly with dark chocolate, aged cheese, hearty meals, or a cozy winter evening on its own. Note: Tihar is not USDA Certified Organic — small smoke-house production doesn't qualify — but the leaf comes from the same Ilam co-ops as our certified line. Explore our Nepal oolong tea range for our USDA Organic oolongs — Annapurna Amber, Dragon Claw, and Ruby.
Type icon
Tea Type
Oolong Tea
Origin icon
Origin
Ilam, Nepal
Harvest Date icon
Harvest
2025
Season icon
Season
Autumn Flush
Brewing Temp icon
Brewing Temp
190°
Steeping Time icon
Steeping Time
2 - 3 Minutes
Caffeine Strength icon
Caffeine Strength
3 of 5
Elevation icon
Elevation
6700ft
Direct-Trade · Single-Origin

Slow-Smoked Over Oak in the Highlands of Ilam, Nepal

Tihar Smoked Oolong is a single-origin, oak-smoked oolong hand-picked in Ilam, eastern Nepal, then slow-smoked over oak in a small cooperative smoke-house. This rare Nepali smoked tea is prized for its rounded, sweet smoke — a single-origin alternative to pine-smoked Lapsang Souchong, finished in one limited autumn run that sells through quickly.

ELEVATION

4,000–7,500 ft (Himalayan Foothills)

HARVEST

Autumn Flush

REGION

Ilam, Nepal

What Makes Tihar Rare

🔥
Oak-Smoked, Not Pine

Rounder, sweeter smoke than pine-smoked Lapsang Souchong.

🌾
Single-Origin Ilam

One garden region in the Himalayan foothills, autumn harvest.

⏳
Limited Seasonal Run

Small-batch smoked once a year; sells out, returns next autumn.

The Single-Origin Alternative to Lapsang Souchong

Smoky-tea drinkers reach for Tihar when they want the campfire intensity of Lapsang Souchong without the sharp, resinous pine edge. Because Tihar is smoked over oak rather than pine, the smoke is rounder and sweeter, sitting over the natural caramel notes of a semi-oxidized oolong. It is one of the few oak-smoked teas made anywhere outside China.

For drinkers comparing smoked teas, Tihar stands out for being single-origin and direct-trade, grown in the same Ilam gardens as our certified organic line — though Tihar itself is not USDA Certified Organic, as small smoke-house production does not qualify. Nepali tea is also prized for being smoother than Darjeeling grown just across the border. Explore more in our Nepali oolong collection.

Tasting Notes

  • Aroma: Smoked oak, glowing charcoal, dark caramel
  • Body: Medium-full, rounded, smooth
  • Finish: Warm and clean — smoke without tar or harshness
  • Liquor: Deep amber-copper
  • Pairs well with: Dark chocolate, smoked or aged cheese, grilled meats, mushrooms, barbecue

The Farmer-First Model

Our direct-trade Nepal tea model keeps more value closer to origin and lets us ship fresher, better-traced loose leaf to customers in the United States. Orders leave our Saugus, MA facility with fast U.S. fulfillment. Browse our USDA Organic Nepali teas for our certified line.

How to Brew Tihar Smoked Oolong

  1. Heat the water: Heat fresh, filtered water to 195°F (just under a rolling boil).
  2. Measure the leaf: Place 1 teaspoon (2–3 grams) of Tihar loose leaf per 8 oz cup.
  3. Steep: Steep 3 to 4 minutes; go longer for a smokier, bolder cup.
  4. Re-steep: Re-steep the same leaves up to 2 times — each infusion deepens the oak smoke and draws out fresh caramel notes.

Caffeine in Tihar Smoked Oolong

An 8 oz cup of Tihar contains roughly 25–45 mg of caffeine — about a third of a cup of brewed coffee. As a semi-oxidized oolong, it delivers an energizing but even lift, and the natural L-theanine in tea leaf is associated with calm, focused energy rather than jitters. For a full breakdown, see our guide on whether oolong tea has caffeine.

Tihar vs. Lapsang Souchong — How They Compare

Tea Profile Smoke Source Best For
Tihar Smoked Oolong (Nepal) Smoked oak, charcoal, dark caramel; rounded and sweet Oak Lapsang fans wanting single-origin; food pairing
Classic Lapsang Souchong (China) Pine smoke, tar, dried longan; sharp and bold Pine / resinous softwood Intense smoky tea, traditional style

Compare Our Nepali Oolongs

Variety Flavor Profile Style Best For
Tihar Smoked Oolong Smoked oak, charcoal, dark caramel Oak-smoked, semi-oxidized Smoky-tea fans, Lapsang alternative
Annapurna Amber Muscatel, caramel, marmalade; award-winning dark oolong Dark oolong Complex, layered sipping
Dragon Claw Mellow, sweet, smooth Hand-rolled golden oolong Easygoing daily oolong
Black Yeti Apricot, barley, honey Classic oolong Sweet, approachable cup
Namche Orchid, wildflower, fragrant Lighter oolong Floral oolong lovers

Browse all our Nepali oolong teas →

Related Nepali Tea Resources

Why Our Customers Love Our Teas

Customer Reviews
4.5 Based on 8 Reviews
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Common Questions

FAQ about Nepali Oolong Tea Loose Leaf – Tihar Smoked, Bold Oak

Everything you need to know before your first cup.

What is Tihar Smoked Oolong tea?
Tihar Smoked Oolong is a single-origin, semi-oxidized oolong from Ilam, Nepal, slow-smoked over oak in a small cooperative smoke-house. Hand-picked during the autumn harvest, it brews a bold, aromatic cup with notes of smoked oak, charcoal, and dark caramel. It is one of Nepal's rarest oolongs and is produced in a limited seasonal run.
What does Tihar Smoked Oolong taste like?
Tihar leads with bold smoked oak and glowing charcoal, layered over dark caramel and the natural sweetness of oolong. The oak smoke is rounded rather than sharp, so the cup finishes warm and smooth instead of tarry. Re-steeping deepens the smoke and draws out new notes of oak, char, and caramel.
Is Tihar Smoked Oolong a good Lapsang Souchong alternative?
Yes. Tihar is built for Lapsang Souchong drinkers who want a single-origin option from outside Fujian, China. Because it is smoked over oak instead of pine, the smoke is rounder and less resinous, with an oolong sweetness underneath. It delivers a comparable smoky intensity with a smoother, more food-friendly finish.
Why is Tihar smoked over oak instead of pine?
Traditional Lapsang Souchong is smoked over pine, which gives a sharp, resinous, sometimes tarry edge. Tihar is smoked over oak in our cooperative's small Ilam smoke-house, producing a rounder, sweeter smoke with notes of charcoal and dark caramel. Oak smoke complements the oolong base rather than overpowering it.
Where is Tihar Smoked Oolong grown?
Tihar is grown and processed in Ilam, in the Himalayan foothills of eastern Nepal, at roughly 4,000 to 7,500 feet. The leaf is hand-picked during the crisp autumn harvest, then withered, semi-oxidized, and oak-smoked in small batches by the same direct-trade cooperatives that supply our certified organic teas.
Does Tihar Smoked Oolong have caffeine?
Yes. Tihar contains a moderate amount of caffeine, roughly 25 to 45 mg per 8 oz cup, or about a third of a typical cup of coffee. That makes it an energizing daytime cup without the jitters, and a warming choice for cool evenings when you want flavor without a heavy caffeine load.
How do you brew Tihar Smoked Oolong?
Use about 1 teaspoon of leaf per 8 oz of water heated to 195 degrees F. Steep 3 to 4 minutes, then strain. For a bolder, smokier cup, steep closer to 4 minutes or add slightly more leaf. Tihar also takes milk well if you prefer a richer, smoky-sweet cup.
How many times can you re-steep Tihar Smoked Oolong?
Tihar re-steeps about 2 times. Each infusion deepens the smoke profile and reveals new layers of oak, charcoal, and dark caramel rather than fading. A single 3.2 oz bag yields roughly 36 cups of bold, smoky tea.
Is Tihar Smoked Oolong organic?
Tihar is single-origin and direct-trade but is not USDA Certified Organic. Small smoke-house production does not qualify under USDA Organic certification, though the leaf comes from the same Ilam cooperatives as our certified line. For certified oolongs, see Annapurna Amber, Dragon Claw, and Ruby in our organic range.
What foods pair well with smoked oolong tea?
Tihar's oak smoke and dark caramel pair beautifully with rich, savory foods: dark chocolate, aged or smoked cheese, grilled and roasted meats, mushrooms, and barbecue. It also stands on its own as a warming after-dinner cup. The smoky depth cuts through fat and complements umami-heavy dishes.
Is Tihar Smoked Oolong limited or seasonal?
Yes. Tihar is smoked over oak in a single small-batch run each autumn, so quantities are limited and it often sells through before the next harvest. Each 3.2 oz bag yields about 36 cups. When a season's batch is gone, it is unavailable until the following autumn harvest.
Where can I buy Tihar Smoked Oolong online?
Buy Tihar Smoked Oolong directly from Nepali Tea Traders at nepaliteatraders.com for fresh, small-batch, oak-smoked leaf shipped from our Saugus, MA facility in the USA. Each 3.2 oz bag yields about 36 cups. Because it is a limited autumn harvest, ordering early is recommended.