VAHDAM, First Flush Darjeeling Tea - 50 Cups (3.53oz) | Loose Leaf Black Tea - Flowery, Aromatic & Delicious | Picked, Packed & Shipped Direct From India | Champagne Of Teas | Mellow & Fragrant

I am a tea lover. I have traveled to China and had tea in various tea houses, including the big government run establishment in Beijing. I even ordered tea directly from China for many years - different types and flavors. I've been to and had tea from different parts of the world - Kenya and Sri Lanka included. My go to brand is Dilmah tea bags - they are perhaps the best for travel since the tea bags contain real loose-leaf tea and the flavor is superb. Not inexpensive though, they are shipped directly from Sri Lanka and that is the only problem if you run out of supply as I did recently.Which led me to this. In my desperate search for a suitable alternative to my favorite Dilmah, I tried many different ones I have at home - but nothing really was good enough. Then I thought I would make another attempt here on Amazon. My previous experience with tea, especially Darjeeling ordered here has not been good.I recall the best tea I have ever had was in person at the Makaibari Estate in Darjeeling and it was the First Flush they grow there. Since then I have tried to get it many times, but it has never been the same. Reading the reveiws here of different brands I was not very hopeful until I came across Vahdam.The key with all teas, especially First Flush is freshness. It cannot survive handling at various intermediaries. True to the promise, it came in a vacuum-sealed pack with a very convenient sealable bag with a peel-off label to use with it.The leaves do look fresh and are somewhat soft. The color of the brew is the typical bright and golden that you expect. The aroma is heavenly. For aficionados, First Flush when made from fresh leaves fills the room with its beautiful bouquet. The Vahdam product is not quite there, and that is again to be expected, no matter the source, once it is packed and stored, the tea does lose some of its aromatic qualities. It therefore has to be consumed as quickly as possible. My sample was probably harvested in March of 2023 and I am having it nine months later, so it is not going to be the same as fresh tea.The taste has that delicate, fruity, sweet quality with a long finish. I found notes of tulsi even, but that is part of its complex nature. This is not a tea to be had in a hurry. When brewed properly and served in delicate china, it is truly one of the gastronomic wonders of the world.All I can say is that this product is as close to perfection as you can get from something ordered online and received in two days. Harvested eight thousand miles away, the fact that I can savor its delightful flavor sitting here in New York is a marvel in itself.The packaging is very nice, with a note from the owner of the estate. He does mention the idea of giving back to the farmers and workers who produce these wonderful things and I do hope he lives up to his promise because the worker at a tea estate is the lowest participant in this chain and it is really a tedious and back-breaking job that she performs, in order to bring us a little bit of paradise.Now go and order some of this heavenly nectar.

This tea is sooo soothing and delicious! The tea leaves don't sneak through the tea ball at all like some loose teas. Loose tea is a staple for me now - no question about the content and easy to make. It will remain fresh and hold its flavor and effectiveness for a long time because it came vacuum sealed AND with a resealable additional bag that the vacuum bag fits right inside of. Quality tea and packaging. This manufacturer cares about its product.

I've been taking saffron and vitamin D gummies along with drinking this tea every other day. I've been doing this to help with brain fog. I have been in such a good mood and have had a happy outlook on life and it isn't normal for me to feel that way. I realized that is one of the effects of saffron. I'm not being paid to say this either and I don't think it's placebo because I was taking it for other reasons. I also have been using manuka honey with this tea and it tastes amazing together. I will continue to purchase!

Vahdam's Original Masala Chai is a wonderful loose leaf masala tea. I didn't think I would be able to find a 100% Indian quality loose leaf chai online. The packaging is superior and really helps maintain the aroma and freshness of the product. The product literature, included in ther package, was also very informative. Shipping was prompt, and their satisfaction guarantee and return policy are right up there with other leading brands.When I opened the vacuum packed bag, the burst of aroma was pretty incredible! I was apprehensive at first, but that initial explosion of aromas and the first cup of tea had me convinced that I had just purchased a wonderful tea. It's also satisfying to know that I'm buying tea from a producer who isn't far removed from the growers.I've had a cup or two everyday since receiving this product, and I've enjoyed every cup. However, a couple of suggestions that would make this tea even more appealing to me are listed here. This tea could be a little stronger. First, the tea flavor gets pretty easily diluted with the addition of 1 tsp creamer (I will try milk to see if it makes a difference). Second, ginger is unfortunately not part of this masala mix, but is probably best if freshly grated into the tea. I am anticipating that freshly grated ginger will give this tea an extra umph. Third, I would personally like to know more about the growers and the region (narrowly identify the growing fields/state/cooperative) the tea comes from. I often preferentially buy products that come from local farms, or ones that are willing to trace main ingredients directly to the farms where they were produced (e.g. olive oil, meats, dairy, coffee, fries, eggs, etc.).I really appreciate that Vahdam stamps the picking and packaging dates on their tea. My hope is to get tea from Vahdam that is fresher than the loose leaf organic teas & chais I can find locally in my city. We have a couple of local tea shops which sell loose leaf teas and chais in bulk, but my main issue with them is freshness, since many of their products don't get much turnover. In contrast, Vahdam's tea was easy to purchase from Amazon. I'm very impressed with how this company has made it possible to buy a solid loose leaf tea that is fresh and bursting with flavor, no matter where you live in the world!

I've never had tea like this! Usually I drink assam with milk but this taste shouldn't be wasted. It came seriously shrink wrapped and with a foil zip container for it to be put into for convenience. Taste is indescribable. Wonderful stuff. Just ordered a variety pack to try more of their products. Very exciting.

This is a nice combination of minty with that little hit of ginger sharpness. I continue to purchase this.

Ok taste. Not real strong. Probably would not buy again.

buy this! I've tried a few chai tea leaf on amazon to make dirty chai latte. This simply makes a difference!