Darjeeling Gopaldhara First Flush Oolong Tea (No.311)
A rare loose leaf oolong tea from Darjeeling’s Gopaldhara Estate, this first flush oolong offers floral brightness, nutty depth, and a silky-smooth finish.
Darjeeling Gopaldhara First Flush Oolong – Loose Leaf Oolong Tea
This rare loose leaf oolong tea comes from Gopaldhara Estate—one of the highest elevation tea gardens in Darjeeling, India.
Perched in the misty Himalayan foothills, this garden produces an oolong with the floral freshness of a first flush and the depth of careful oxidation.
The wiry leaves are beautifully crafted—curled and lightly open, featuring both silvery-white tips and deeper oxidised tones.
Once steeped, the tea yields a pale amber cup with a lively aroma, complex character, and gentle nuttiness in the finish.
This is a must-try for Darjeeling fans and oolong drinkers looking for something nuanced and refined.
Taste Profile
This dark pearl oolong yields a rich amber infusion with layered notes of tropical fruit, hints of baked peach, and a gentle roasted depth.
Its smooth body and sweet finish evolve with each steep, offering a long-lasting and aromatic experience.
If you enjoy Darjeeling Gopaldhara First Flush Oolong, you may also like Formosa Oolong, Jasmine Oolong, or Ti Kuan Yin.
Origin
This tea is grown in the Tai Tung region of eastern Taiwan, where the combination of high humidity, generous rainfall, and abundant sunshine creates perfect conditions for producing rich, flavourful oolongs.
After harvesting, farmers allow the tea to undergo a longer fermentation, enhancing its depth and complexity.
Through repeated hand rolling, the leaves take on their signature pearl shape—preserving essential oils and intensifying the aroma.
The result is a traditional Formosa oolong that delivers bold tropical notes and a uniquely rounded finish.
Brewing Guide
Here’s how to brew the perfect cup of Formosa Dark Pearl Oolong:
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Tea Quantity: 1 heaped tsp (approx. 3g) per 200ml water
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Water Temperature: 90–95°C
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Steeping Time: 2–3 minutes
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Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed plain to appreciate the full depth of its fruity, roasted flavour
Re-steep 2–4 times, increasing the steep time slightly with each infusion to unlock the evolving character of the tea pearls.
Benefits
Formosa Dark Pearl Oolong is rich in antioxidants and offers moderate caffeine to support mental clarity, digestion, and metabolism.
Its naturally warming, grounding profile makes it an excellent afternoon pick-me-up or a mindful post-meal treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this tea taste like?
This loose leaf oolong tea has a smooth profile, with notes of ripe tropical fruit and a gentle roasted finish. It’s fruity, rounded, and complex.
2. Can I drink this tea cold?
Yes. While traditionally served hot, Formosa Dark Pearl Oolong also makes a richly aromatic iced tea—brew it strong, chill, and serve over ice.
3. Is this tea suitable for vegans?
Yes. This tea is made solely from Camellia sinensis leaves and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
4. Does this tea contain any artificial flavours?
No. This is a pure oolong tea with no added flavourings or additives.
5. How much caffeine does it contain?
Formosa Dark Pearl Oolong contains a medium level of caffeine—enough for a gentle energy lift without being overstimulating.