Assam

Assam is the world's largest single tea-growing region, producing 50% of India's total tea output from its Brahmaputra Valley estates. Assam's Camellia sinensis var. assamica — the indigenous variety discovered growing wild in the jungle in 1823 — produces tea of unmatched body and malt character, forming the backbone of every British-style breakfast blend. Yet premium estate Assam, particularly second flush orthodox from the best estates (Halmari, Mokalbari, Rajgarh), reveals a complexity that transcends its breakfast-blend reputation: pure Assam malt, muscatel character, golden tips, and tremendous depth.