Darjeeling Castleton Estate Second Flush
Muscat grape, stone fruit and toasted nuts from the Kurseong estate best known for muscatel.
Castleton, in the Kurseong valley of Darjeeling, was founded in 1885 and is best known for its summer muscatel second flush. The cup is deep amber, with muscat grape, stone fruit, honey and toasted nuts. Brewed in a teapot at 90°C.
Sensory profile
You should taste
How it unfolds
Where it sits
That is 52 mg in one serving (6–8 oz cup (180–240 ml)), a concentration of 24.8 mg per 100 ml. The scale above ranks whole servings, and servings differ in size, so a larger drink can sit further right while being weaker cup for cup.
Editorial estimate, not a laboratory measurement
Related gear
Related reading
| Brewing method | Teapot |
|---|---|
| Brew ratio | 1:72 |
| Dose & yield | 2.9g → 210g |
| Grind size | Whole Leaf |
| Water temperature | 194°F / 90°C |
| Target brew time | 3:00-4:00 |
| Serving | 6–8 oz cup (180–240 ml) |
What you need
- 2.9 g loose-leaf black tea
- 210 g filtered water at 90°C
Required gear
Step-by-step protocol
- 0:00Warm the pot with hot water and pour it away, so the brewing water does not lose heat to cold ceramic.
- 0:10Add 2.9 g of leaf to the pot or basket, leaving room for it to open.
- 0:20Pour 210 g of water at 90°C over the leaf and cover. Start the timer.
- 3:50Remove the leaf or decant completely. Leaf left in the pot keeps extracting and turns the last cup bitter.
What it may be good for
How strong is it?
We list about 52 mg for a 6 to 8 oz (180 to 240 ml) cup, made with 2.5 to 3 g of leaf per 200 ml.
Let it cool a little
A summer muscatel shows more fruit as it cools from piping hot. Let the first cup rest for a minute before you decide whether it needs anything added.
What to watch out for
- Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much tea is right for you.
Castleton, in the Kurseong valley of Darjeeling, was founded in 1885 and is best known for its summer muscatel second flush. The cup is deep amber, with muscat grape, stone fruit, honey and toasted nuts. Brewed in a teapot at 90°C.
Origin & Story
Castleton was founded in 1885 by Dr. Charles Graham in the Kurseong valley of Darjeeling, and it was first called Kumseri. The name Castleton came from Bank Ghar, a castle-like building said to have been built by a moneylender, which gave the place its new name.
The Goodricke Group took the estate over in 1984. Two years later, in 1986, Castleton is said to have been the first estate to craft a muscatel tea, and its summer muscatel has been the garden's best-known tea since. Its teas are said to have fetched record prices at auction.
About 170 hectares of tea grow here, with large sections of China-type bushes, and the estate makes black, green and white teas, including a white tea called Moonlight, as well as the muscatel. The muscatel comes from the second flush, picked in early summer, when leafhopper bites on the young leaves are said to bring out the grape-like aroma.
In the cup, expect deep amber liquor with muscat grape, stone fruit, honey and toasted nuts, and growers talk of a rose-like fragrance. Use water at about 90°C and 2.5 to 3 g of leaf for 200 ml, and steep for three to four minutes in a teapot, then pour it all off the leaf.
Reading the Flavor Profile
| Axis | Score |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | 70/100 |
| Acidity | 65/100 |
| Bitterness | 40/100 |
| Body | 65/100 |
| Aroma | 90/100 |
These values are comparative editorial positions within our own catalog, calibrated so entries can be ranked against each other. They are not laboratory measurements.
How much caffeine is in Darjeeling Castleton Estate Second Flush?
One serving, 6–8 oz cup (180–240 ml), contains approximately 52 mg of caffeine.
What temperature should I use for Darjeeling Castleton Estate Second Flush?
Target 90°C (194°F).
How long should Darjeeling Castleton Estate Second Flush be extracted?
Timing: 3:00-4:00. Method: Teapot. Ratio: 2.5–3g per 200ml water. Grind or leaf format: Whole Leaf.
When was Castleton founded?
In 1885, by Dr. Charles Graham, in the Kurseong valley of Darjeeling. The estate was first called Kumseri.
What is Castleton known for?
Its second flush muscatel teas, made in early summer, with muscat grape and stone fruit notes and a deep amber cup.
Who should avoid Darjeeling Castleton Estate Second Flush?
Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much tea is right for you. This information is educational and is not medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, managing a cardiac or gastrointestinal condition, or taking prescription medication, discuss caffeine and botanical intake with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes.
What people say
Borosilicate Glass Teapot with Infuser
In this recipe: Teapot with room for the leaf to open
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