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Darjeeling Oolong

Darjeeling semi-oxidised tea

6.5/10 editor's score

Darjeeling tea is processed mostly as black tea, but some estates have expanded into green, white and oolong. Darjeeling oolong is a small, estate-led style.

DarjeelingOolongIndia
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Darjeeling Oolong, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafDarjeeling Oolong
250 ml water85 to 90°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
LiquorGolden amber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Darjeeling tea is processed mostly as black tea, but some estates have expanded into green, white and oolong.

CaffeineMedium~25 to 45 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestMarch to NovemberMarch to November [1].
Pairs withShortbread, Fruit, Light curriesLess good with heavy spice
Grown atDarjeeling hillsDarjeeling, West Bengal
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Darjeeling Oolong

What sources say about the taste

Sources confirm that some estates make oolong; they do not describe the taste.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

DarjeelingWest BengalINDIA
Made by
Some Darjeeling estates 1
Season
March to November 1
Plucking
Top two leaves and the bud 1
Mostly
Darjeeling is mainly black tea 1

More from Darjeeling and India.

History and culture

Darjeeling estates have expanded their range beyond black tea 1.

Editor's score

6.5/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 5.0Value: 6.0Beginner-friendliness: 7.0Versatility: 6.5Flavour 7.0Heritage 7.0Availability 5.0Value 6.0Beginners 7.0Versatility 6.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Darjeeling Oolong~25 to 45 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Darjeeling's picking season 1. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown in the Darjeeling hills 1.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Oxidation

Partial.

04Rolling

Rolled.

05Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafOpen leaf in green and copper.
LiquorGolden amber.
After steeping
Wet leafMixed green and brown leaf.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Shortbread
  • Fruit
  • Light curries

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Estate grades.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Made in small amounts.
  2. Check the estate and flush.
FAQ
Is Darjeeling oolong common?

No. Most Darjeeling is black tea; some estates make oolong 1.

Find it inOolong teasTeas from IndiaDarjeelingDarjeelingOolongIndia

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Darjeeling tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.