Assam tea

Assam is one of the world’s most famous tea-growing regions and is situated in north-eastern India along the Brahmaputra Valley. It was here that the indigenous tea variety Camellia sinensis var. assamica was discovered: a tea plant with larger leaves and characteristics that differ markedly from those of the Chinese tea plant. Assam is known above all for its full-bodied black teas with malty notes, a full body and a gentle sweetness. In our range, you’ll find both classic Assam teas and our own Earl Grey Assam Gold, where the full-bodied flavour of Assam tea meets natural bergamot from Calabria.

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Assam and the native tea bush

Assam is situated in north-eastern India along the mighty Brahmaputra Valley and is the world’s largest contiguous tea-growing region. The region differs markedly from high-altitude areas such as Darjeeling due to its warm, humid climate and fertile plains. It was here that the indigenous tea variety Camellia sinensis var. assamica was discovered: a tea bush with larger leaves than the Chinese variety.

The Assamica tea plant thrives in the tropical climate and develops a fuller-bodied and more robust character than many other teas. This has made Assam one of the world’s most important tea-growing regions and a central part of modern tea history.

Maltiness, body and golden buds

Assam is best known for its full-bodied black teas with notes of malt, honey, dried fruit and dark sugar. Its rich body and natural sweetness mean that Assam is often perceived as more robust than both Darjeeling and many Chinese teas.

Among the most highly prized Assam teas are those containing a high proportion of golden buds, known as ‘golden tips’. These buds often lend the tea greater complexity, smoothness and natural sweetness. Teas such as Assam Chardwar Golden Tippy shows just how elegant and nuanced Assam can be when the raw materials and craftsmanship are of the highest quality.

Assam and the global tea tradition

Few teas have been as significant to modern tea culture as Assam. Its full-bodied character has made it a natural choice as the base for many classic breakfast blends, including English Breakfast. Assam is also frequently used as the base for chai, where the tea’s robust flavour balances spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and ginger.

At the same time, high-quality Assam offers much more than just strength. Teas such as Assam Chardwar FBOP Tippy and Earl Grey Assam Gold demonstrates how the region’s characteristic malty flavour can be combined with elegance, aromatic notes and great complexity. It is this balance that has made Assam one of the world’s most highly regarded tea origins.