Darjeeling Summer Muscatel Black

5.0 8 reviews

Crafted from Darjeeling's celebrated summer harvest, this Muscatel reveals juicy apricot, delicate plum, and soft cedar notes in a silky, elegantly lingering cup.

Low
Caffeine

Second Flush
picked Jul 2026

Flavor Strength
Medium

GI Certified
Darjeeling

100g 100g≈ 40 cups$22.99 300g 300g≈ 120 cups~~$68.97~~$65.52 MOST POPULAR 500g 500g≈ 200 cups~~$114.95~~$103.45 BEST VALUE 1Kg 1Kg≈ 400 cups~~$229.90~~$202.31

🟢SHIPS BYTOMORROW | 🌍 10–14 DAYSTO US

Darjeeling Summer Muscatel Black

$22.99

The Garden

Inspired by Darjeeling's majestic hills, our master blenders craft this Roasted Darjeeling Black, epitomizing our Specialty blends. Our tasters handpick base teas from 300+ samples, selecting only superior summer flush leaves from high-elevation estates (3,500-5,500 ft), capturing unmatched freshness, character, and aroma.

With beautifully rolled, blackish leaves and smoky-woody, high-fired notes, this cup embodies Darjeeling summers a brisk, lively flavor that lingers long after the last sip.

Tasting Notes

From our Chief Tea Taster

Aroma

A delicate bouquet of light muscatel notes unfolds with ripe nectarine sweetness, gracefully layered over subtle woody nuances.

Appearance

Amber

Taste

A beautifully supple, medium-bodied cup that opens with vibrant notes of ripe apricot and sun-ripened stone fruits, evoking the richness of dried drupes at their peak. The palate unfolds gracefully, revealing layers of delicate sweetness balanced by gentle nutty undertones that lend warmth, texture, and remarkable depth.

As the infusion evolves, lively Mirabelle plum brings a bright, tart-fruity vibrancy that enlivens the cup without overpowering its refined character. Subtle cedar nuances emerge towards the finish, weaving seamlessly with the tea's signature muscatel profile to create a beautifully structured and harmonious expression.

Long, elegant, and deeply satisfying, the finish lingers with whispers of orchard fruit, soft woody accents, and the unmistakable muscatel character that has made Darjeeling's celebrated summer harvest one of the world's most treasured seasonal teas.

Darjeeling Summer Muscatel Black tasting notes

This lot's freshness journey

Verified picking and processing dates. · Muscatel cultivar · Grade SFTGFOP1

70.4 km · ~2 hrs. The only facility near the source - this lot reached us within 2 hours.

27th July'26

Picked & processed

Hand-plucked and made at the estate

28th July'26

Arrived at Teabox

Within 24 hrs of manufacturing we receive the teas

28th July'26

Sorted & cleaned

Hand-sorted for impurities, dust, fannings & foreign materials

28th July'26

Vacuum-packed

Ensures freshness & protects from 4 enemies (light, heat, moisture & oxygen)

28th July'26

Stored for freshness

Teas are then stored in one of its kind cold chain facility in India to ensure the quality is preserved

On your order.

Ready to ship

Globally within 24hrs. Direct from our facility at the source

How To Steep

Step 1

Heat 150ml of water to 85–90°C (185-194°F).

Step 2

Measure 2 tsp (2.5 g) of tea into the teapot or infuser.

Step 3

Pour the hot water over the leaves and cover.

Step 4

Let it steep for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Strain and pour. These leaves give their best in one steep.

Serving

Enjoy it plain.

Storage Instructions

Airtight container, away from heat, sunlight and moisture.

Certifications

100% Pure & Fresh Darjeeling Tea

Certified by the Tea Board of India under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. Darjeeling CTM License No.- DJ/489/13032015/TE

TEA BOARD OF INDIA LICENSE

DARJEELING CERTIFIED TRADE MARK

With the rise of adulterated Darjeeling teas blended with teas from different regions, it is important to choose an authentic Indian brand. All of our Darjeeling teas, sourced fresh from the gardens, are sold with a Certified Trademark license.

YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED

What does 'Muscatel' mean in tea?

'Muscatel' refers to a rare, naturally occurring flavor in some Darjeeling second flush teas—marked by fruity sweetness and a distinct aroma reminiscent of muscat grapes or Muscat wine.

It’s a prized characteristic, shaped by specific cultivars, terroir, and the timing of the summer harvest.

Who coined the term 'Muscatel'?

The term was coined in 1986 by iconic Darjeeling tea planter Mr. Arun Kumar Gomden.

He first identified this unique grape-like character in second flush Chinary teas and named it “Muscatel” after the Muscat grape, not musk. It marked a tea with soft, fruity depth and lingering finish unlike typical summer teas.

Which tea estate first produced Muscatel tea?

Castleton Tea Estate in Darjeeling’s Kurseong Valley was the first to craft a Muscatel tea in 1986.
A small 21 kg batch was auctioned at a record-breaking ₹1,460/kg—an unheard-of price at the time.

How does Muscatel tea taste?

Muscatel teas are full-bodied and aromatic with a signature grape-like fruitiness.

Expect notes of muscat grape, ripe stone fruits like peach or apricot, and a mellow sweetness. The cup is rich, slightly brisk, and finishes with a lingering floral or musky-sweet echo.

Can this tea be re-steeped?

Muscatel teas are best enjoyed in a single infusion, where their layered flavors and signature muscatel notes are most vibrant and expressive.

Are these teas sustainably sourced?

Yes! At Teabox, we are committed to sourcing teas from renowned estates that uphold ethical and sustainable practices. Our teas come from gardens that prioritize environmental responsibility and fair labor practices, ensuring both quality and social impact.

By choosing Teabox, you support a tea culture rooted in sustainability and care—for the land, the people, and your cup.

5 stars: 8 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

a tea of my choice

Just a classic high quality and reasonably priced indian tea

Love at first taste

First time for muscatel
I’m in love
I will always love yoooooooo
My new favorite

Excellent tea

Excellent strong flavour!
If your teas were cheaper, would buy more.

The only kind of black tea I would drink.

I am not a tea drinker. I bought this for my daughter, the tea drinker. I had to try it out for myself though. I received the package on Friday - yesterday -and am on my 2nd pot. This tea id lovely. From the clear amber gold colour, to the fresh taste, it's worth the money for the experience. What I did not like was the delivery company messing around, telling me they could not find me home. During said times, Amazon delivery found me in. Evri found me in. The Royal mail found me in. This is the only reason I would not place a repeat order.

Perfect, fresh Darjeeling flavor.

Fresh flavor, exactly as advertised, arrived in a reasonable time from India.

Interesting and likeable variation to regular tea.

There is something very satisfying about the muscatel overtones in this tea. Never had it before but have taken quite a liking to it. Do try it.

All the stars!

Fabulous tea. A mouth full of flavor. The body is between medium and heavy. The flavor opens with something woody and ends on peach. Plus others I can't describe. Furthermore, I may have got it too strong and partially washed out the flavor with tannins, so it might be ever better than I thought.

Great flavor

Love the full flavor of this tea!