Dark Oolong Tea is a richly oxidised single-origin oolong from the Ilam and Taplejung border region of Nepal — grown at 5,000–6,000 ft on Sandakphu Tea Estate's certified organic farm. Ripe stone fruit, roasted honey, and a bright finish with lingering warmth. Bold enough for coffee drinkers. Smooth enough for all-day sipping. No bitterness. The Story of Dark Oolong Tea Dark Oolong sits at approximately 50% oxidation — the midpoint between a fresh green and a full black — which is exactly where its character lives. The stone fruit depth (ripe peach, a hint of plum) comes from the oxidation. The brightness and acidity come from the altitude. The lingering warmth comes from the terrain: the border ridge between Ilam and Taplejung, at 5,000–6,000 ft, where Sandakphu Tea Estate's certified organic farm has been producing teas for the Jasbirey Village community for decades. This is also one of the best cold-brew teas in the range. Left in cold water for 8 hours, the stone fruit flavours deepen and the natural sweetness becomes more pronounced — no bitterness, no astringency, just a long, complex cold brew that holds its own against any iced tea on the market. Why Dark Oolong Tea Is Different 50% oxidation — the sweet spot that delivers stone fruit depth from the oxidation and mountain brightness from the altitude Outstanding cold brew: steep in cold water for 8 hours for a rich, complex iced tea with no bitterness Grown at 5,000–6,000 ft on the Ilam and Taplejung border — among the highest certified organic tea farms in Nepal Produced by the Jasbirey Village community at Sandakphu Tea Estate — a dedicated farming community with decades of knowledge in every batch Purchasing this helps support farms like Sandakphu Tea Estate maintain organic certification through our 5% back to farm program About Sandakphu Tea Estate Sandakphu Tea Estate occupies the high-altitude borderland between Ilam and Taplejung districts in eastern Nepal, at elevations of 5,000–6,000 ft above sea level. The estate is operated by the Jasbirey Village community — a dedicated farming community that has built deep knowledge of these slopes over decades. Sandakphu is a certified organic farm: no synthetic inputs, no shortcuts, and no compromise on quality. New to Nepal Hills Tea? Start with the Tea Sampler Kit ($30 CAD) — 10 single-origin teas from all 4 farms, including Dark Oolong Tea, in one discovery set. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does Dark Oolong Tea taste like?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Dark Oolong Tea has a rich profile: ripe stone fruit (peach, hint of plum), roasted honey, and a bright finish with lingering warmth. Grown at 5,000–6,000 ft on Sandakphu Tea Estate at the Ilam–Taplejung border, it is bold enough for coffee drinkers yet smooth enough for all-day sipping." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between Floral Oolong and Dark Oolong?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Floral Oolong is lightly oxidised (~15–20%), giving it a delicate honey-blossom and orchid character on a light, fresh body. Dark Oolong is more heavily oxidised (~50%), producing ripe stone fruit, roasted honey, and a fuller, warmer body — closer to a black tea experience but with oolong's natural sweetness." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Dark Oolong Tea bitter?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Dark Oolong Tea is grown at 5,000–6,000 ft on Sandakphu Tea Estate, where high altitude reduces the tannins that cause bitterness. Brew at 90–95°C for 3–4 minutes for a smooth, fruit-forward cup with no astringency." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I brew Dark Oolong Tea?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Brew Dark Oolong with water at 90–95°C. Use 2–3g per 240ml and steep for 3–4 minutes. Like all quality oolongs, Dark Oolong is excellent for multiple infusions. It also works brewed cold: double the leaf quantity and steep in cold water for 6–8 hours in the refrigerator." } } ] }
