B-IN-026

Nilgiri Black

High grown orthodox, from Nilgiri, India.

Black tea

Nilgiri Black is strongest on brightness, smoothness and sweetness. Typical tasting words: lemon, orange peel, cut hay, malt. Introduced by the British in the 1830s into the southern Western Ghats, where year-round growing conditions and high altitude produce clean liquors. Cherished globally for high clarity and non-clouding tendencies, making it the premier choice for premium iced tea.

Also known as Blue Mountain Tea, Nilgiri Orthodox and Nilgiri Frost Tea.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness3bitterness1astringency2umami0brightness4body3smoothness4aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral2fruity3vegetal0marine0nutty1toasty1malty2honey2spicy1woody1earthy1smoky0creamy0citrus3stone fruit1tropical0cocoa0caramel1

Facts

Origin: Nilgiri, India
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis / hybrid
Harvest: December to February (frost season) and year-round
Elevation: high
Oxidation: 85 to 95%
Roast: very light
Leaf: twisted
Price band: affordable
Availability: fairly common
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 4 of 5
L-theanine: low

Made by: withering, then rolling, then oxidation, then firing, then sorting.

Caffeine

A cup of Nilgiri Black carries a typical estimate of 55 mg of caffeine, within a range of 40 to 70 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	92 to 96 °C	3 min, 4 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	4.5 g	92 to 96 °C	25 s, 30 s, 40 s, 60 s, 90 s, 2 min
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	6 to 10 hours

Up to 6 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
morning
afternoon
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Pairs with salads, pastry and fruit. Milk: yes. Iced: yes. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: yes.