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Kangra Black

Kangra tea

6.7/10 editor's score

Tea from the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, planted from a Chinese variety after an 1848 survey. Black tea is about 90 percent of its output.

HimalayanHeritageIndia
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Kangra Black, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafKangra Black
250 ml water90 to 95°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorVery pale for a black tea
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Tea from the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, planted from a Chinese variety after an 1848 survey.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring to autumnSpring to autumn.
Pairs withBiscuits, Toast, Light lunchesLess good with very spicy food
Grown atKangra valley, Himalayan foothillsKangra, Himachal Pradesh
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Kangra Black

What sources say about the taste

Sources say Kangra black tea has a sweet lingering aftertaste 1.

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

KangraHimachal PradeshINDIA
Planted
After an 1848 survey 1
Plant
A Chinese hybrid variety 1
Mostly
About 90% is black tea 1
Area
About 2,312 hectares 1

More from Kangra and India.

History and culture

In 1882 the Kangra District Gazette called its tea "superior to that produced in any other part of India" 1.

It won gold and silver medals in London and Amsterdam in 1886 and 1895 1.

Production peaked in the late 19th century, then fell after the 1905 Kangra earthquake 1.

Editor's score

6.7/10

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: 6.5Origin & heritage: 8.0Availability: 5.0Value: 6.5Beginner-friendliness: 7.5Versatility: 7.0Flavour 6.5Heritage 8.0Availability 5.0Value 6.5Beginners 7.5Versatility 7.0
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
Kangra Black~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

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

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Kangra. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

A Chinese hybrid variety of Camellia sinensis 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

Hand-plucked.

02Rolling

Orthodox; no CTC is made because the liquor is very pale 1.

03Oxidation

Full.

04Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafTwisted dark leaf.
LiquorVery pale for a black tea 1.
After steeping
Wet leafBrown leaf.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Biscuits
  • Toast
  • Light lunches

Best avoided

  • Very spicy food

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

Mostly orthodox black; some green 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Gardens lie between Dharamsala, Palampur and Baijnath 1.
  2. A small region: supply is limited.
FAQ
Why is there no Kangra CTC?

The Chinese hybrid gives a very pale liquor, so CTC is not made 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from IndiaKangraHimalayanHeritageIndia

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Kangra tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangra_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.