Makaibari

Makaibari – Black Tea

Origin: India – Darjeeling

Infusion Temperature: 90° Celsius

Infusion Time: 3-5 minutes

Serving Size: 1 g/100 ml

Aroma: Muscatel, dried fruit, sweet spice.

Flavor: Full-bodied, fruity, complex; hints of plum, muscat grapes, and wild honey.

The Darjeeling Makaibari is not just a tea-it’s a story of harmony between nature, tradition, and community. Grown in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, this exceptional second flush black tea comes from the renowned Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling, a region celebrated worldwide for its distinctive, high-elevation teas.

What sets Makaibari apart is not only the extraordinary quality of its leaves, but also its pioneering commitment to biodynamic agriculture. This holistic method of cultivation goes beyond organic farming by integrating ecological, spiritual, and lunar principles into every aspect of tea production. Makaibari was the first tea garden in the world to be certified biodynamic, and today remains a benchmark in sustainable, ethical tea cultivation.

The June 2024 harvest embodies the best of Makaibari’s second flush: rich, full-bodied, and aromatic. Unlike the more delicate, floral first flush teas harvested in early spring, this second flush offers a deeper, fruitier flavor profile, with notes of ripe muscatel grapes, stone fruits, and a subtle, honeyed finish. The tea is bright amber, smooth on the palate, and marked by a complexity that evolves with every sip.

This tea is graded SFTGOP1, indicating an exceptionally fine selection of tippy leaves and buds-an assurance of high quality and superior taste. Hand-harvested and meticulously processed, Makaibari is ideal for those who appreciate authenticity and ,depth in their cup.

Nestled in the misty hills of Darjeeling, Makaibari offers a unique experience through its Homestay Program, where visitors are welcomed into the homes of the very families who tend the tea gardens. Touring the factory, walking the plantation trails, and meeting the estate’s visionary steward, Mr. Rajah Banerjee, offered a profound understanding of what makes this tea so special: a genuine connection between people, place, and plant.

Perfect on its own, or with a light biscuit or pastry, this tea does not require milk and is best enjoyed pure to appreciate its nuanced character.

Makaibari is more than a tea estate-it’s a living ecosystem where humans and nature work in concert. Every cup supports fair trade principles, ecological farming, and community empowerment.

Makaibari is an invitation to taste the legacy of one of India’s most iconic tea gardens. Its vibrant character and ethical origins make it a tea not only to savor-but to truly value.