Barnesbeg FTGFOP1 Clonal Reserve 2025 Second Flush Darjeeling

About Barnesbeg Clonal Reserve 2025

Barnesbeg Tea Estate, nestled in the scenic Lebong Valley just 15–17 kilometers from Darjeeling town, has been a cornerstone of the region’s tea heritage since its founding in 1877 by Christine Barnes. Perched at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,260 meters, this estate benefits from the ideal terroir for crafting high-quality teas. Today, it is owned and managed by the Goodricke Group, one of India’s most respected tea producers.

Barnesbeg is widely recognized not only for its history but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. The estate holds certifications for being 100% organic, Fair Trade compliant, and Rainforest Alliance certified, showcasing its dedication to environmental preservation and fair labor practices. While both green and black teas are produced here, the estate has become particularly celebrated in recent years for its exceptional quality green teas.

That said, the black teas from Barnesbeg are not to be overlooked. They reflect a masterful balance of tradition and innovation, delivering intricate flavor profiles that speak of the land’s richness. One such shining example is the Barnesbeg Clonal Reserve 2025, a standout offering from this year’s Darjeeling Second Flush.

Orthodox Black Tea Excellence: The Clonal Reserve

Barnesbeg’s orthodox black teas are known for their nuanced complexity and depth of character. The Himalayan Queen 2025 exemplifies this with full-bodied richness, lively flavors, and a distinct muscatel character that Darjeeling Second Flush teas are so famous for.

When we had the opportunity to sample various teas from the estate—including green, white, oolong, and black varieties—the Himalayan Queen immediately drew our attention. Its leaves were bold and chunky, flecked with silver tips, suggesting a tea of exceptional quality even before steeping. The brewed liquor lived up to expectations, offering a refined yet robust flavor profile that beautifully encapsulated the spirit of the Second Flush season.

The dry leaf appearance of Barnesbeg Clonal Reserve tea is nothing short of breathtaking. The leaves are tightly rolled and expertly twisted, exhibiting a spectrum of chocolate brown, deep green, and golden hues, complemented by a generous scattering of silver and golden tips—a clear marker of fine plucking and meticulous processing.

The aroma is rich and layered, offering a luxurious blend of warm chocolate and sweet caramel notes, delicately interwoven with dried fruits and subtle nuttiness. This sophisticated scent profile signals the tea’s depth and complexity even before it hits the cup. These leaves are not just ingredients—they are a sensory promise of the journey ahead.

Once steeped, the wet leaves of the Barnesbeg tea transform into a vivid coppery infusion, signaling a well-oxidized and carefully crafted tea. The leaf mix presents a harmonious blend of light and dark brown tones, offering an appealing visual texture that reflects the tea’s rich heritage.

The aroma becomes more expressive in the infusion—nutty, fruity, and sweet, with each note delicately supporting the next. The bouquet is elegant and inviting, giving off hints of dried apricot, roasted almonds, and soft florals. This fragrance paints a vivid picture of the Darjeeling highlands in summer—lush, fragrant, and alive.

In the cup, Barnesbeg Clonal Reserve presents a deep reddish-orange liquor, glowing like burnished copper under the light. This full-bodied black tea is bold yet refined, ideal for those who appreciate layered complexity in their cup.

Flavors unfold gracefully with each sip. You’ll discover:

• Mild biscuity notes that provide a comforting base

• A delicate caramel sweetness

• A burst of juicy fruit flavors, reminiscent of plums and cherries

• A faint yet satisfying nutty undertone

Though rich and vibrant, the tea retains a smooth and mellow texture that softens the strength, making it suitable for multiple infusions. A word to the wise: avoid over-steeping. A three-minute brew often hits the sweet spot, while anything beyond five minutes may introduce astringency. Adjust according to your taste preferences for the most enjoyable experience.

Conclusion: A Tea of Distinction

This Barnesbeg Darjeeling is a celebration of 2025’s Darjeeling’s Second Flush at its finest. Harvested from an estate revered for both its heritage and sustainable farming practices, this orthodox black tea captures everything that makes Darjeeling teas world-renowned.

With its aromatic complexity, rich flavors, and elegant presentation, this tea is a must-have for any serious tea lover. It stands proudly within Barnesbeg’s esteemed lineup and reaffirms the estate’s position as a premier producer of artisan Darjeeling teas.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer exploring Second Flush offerings, the Himalayan Queen 2025 will leave a lasting impression—refined, flavorful, and unmistakably Darjeeling.