Second-flush orthodox leaf from Assam's Thowra Tea Estate makes a liquor that pours deep and reddish, with a rich, spicy aroma and a full-bodied, malty character typical of the region's better black teas. The cup carries a wide range: bright citrus notes of lemon and orange, a run of honey sweetness, then malt, spice, and a coffee-like thickness that takes milk well.
Thowra lies in Assam's Sivasagar district, long known for its tea bushes and fertile soil. The garden is run by James Warren Ltd, of which Thowra is the flagship estate, best known for producing CTC (cut, tear, curl) teas. James Warren Ltd has a long-standing connection to Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company: Malcolm Smith headed the plantation group in the 1970s, and his son Richard Smith later became the owner of Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, which packs this tea fresh to order.
TGFOP stands for Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe. The "TG" marks tea with the highest tippy content, and "FOP" means the leaf comes from the top bud and first two leaves of each new shoot, the mark of careful, selective plucking.
To brew, put loose leaf in a filter or infuser, cover with freshly boiled water, and steep for three to five minutes. A cup carries around 40mg of caffeine, enough to make it a solid choice in the morning. Serve with milk or a milk alternative, sweetened with sugar or honey, with a squeeze of lemon, or simply black. Like other black teas, its antioxidants have long been credited with helping the body counter oxidative stress, and some believe regular drinking supports metabolism, though most people reach for this one for its flavour rather than for any health claim.
