Castleton Moonlight Tea 2025 First Flush | Limited Release Special

Castleton Moonlight

Castleton Moonlight Tea from the First Flush Darjeeling 2025 harvest is one of the most sought-after and exclusive teas in the world. Revered by tea connoisseurs globally, this rare gem from the prestigious Castleton Tea Estate in Darjeeling is made from pure AV2 clonal varietal leaves – renowned for producing some of the finest quality teas on the planet.

Each year, Castleton produces only a limited quantity of its prized Moonlight Tea due to the scarcity of the premium AV2 leaves required to make it. The production is intentionally small, artisanal, and highly selective, ensuring only the best leaves are handpicked from the garden’s most elite clonal sections. This makes every batch of Castleton Moonlight a collector’s delight, with a demand that consistently outweighs the supply.

Why Castleton Moonlight 2025 is a Must-Try

This year, many tea gardens across Darjeeling experienced unfavorable weather conditions, leading to a significant reduction in overall production. As a result, Castleton Tea Estate was able to produce only a handful of invoices of its highly coveted Castleton Moonlight Tea. We are fortunate to have secured one of the finest and most premium lots – and this is the very tea we are proud to offer you.

We personally tasted and selected this exceptional batch from the rest, ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality and freshness. Of course, you are always welcome to explore and compare with offerings from elsewhere – but we are confident that once you taste this tea, you’ll immediately recognize the difference in tea leaves used that were plucked during peak quality growing time and the exquisite flavor of a real Moonlight Tea.

The dry leaves of Castleton Moonlight 2025 are a sight to behold. They are large, wiry, and voluminous with an abundance of chunky silver tips, indicating high quality. The leaf appearance is dominated by a fresh greenish hue, interspersed with shades of olive, jade, and soft yellows, creating a painterly effect that is both elegant and inviting.

The buds are plump and covered in fine silver hairs, giving them a luminous grey-white sheen. This natural shimmer is a hallmark of high-grade AV2 teas. The dry leaf aroma is captivating—sweet, honeyed, and floral, with soft notes of white chocolate, spring blossoms, and subtle hints of vanilla sponge cake. A faint spicy undercurrent, reminiscent of fresh herbs and mild pepper, adds to its olfactory complexity.

Once steeped, the wet leaves of Castleton Moonlight come alive with color and aroma. The infusion showcases large, whole leaves in shades of emerald green, soft brown, and light yellow, with clearly visible two leaves and a bud. This vibrant medley reflects meticulous hand-plucking and gentle processing.

The aromatic profile of the wet leaves is mesmerizing: intensely floral, sweet, and slightly spicy, with notes reminiscent of cumin, pepper, and fresh-cut green herbs. There’s also a hint of stone fruits and citrus zest, which adds brightness and intrigue to the infusion. This complexity invites the drinker to linger before the first sip.

The brewed cup of Castleton Moonlight Tea – First Flush Darjeeling 2025 reveals a golden-yellow liquor that is light, bright, and crystal clear. The flavor is floral-forward, balanced with a refined sweetness that dances on the tongue.

With each sip, a cascade of nuanced flavors unfolds – honeysuckle, fresh hay, white peach, almonds, and a trace of vanilla bean. The tea has a silky mouthfeel, with a delicate astringency that gently activates the upper palate and lingers beautifully on the tip of the tongue. As it cools, the cup continues to evolve, revealing more complex notes and an enduring sweetness.

This year’s harvest also carries what we call the “Castleton Signature” – a mellow, muscatel undertone rarely found in First Flush teas but beautifully present here due to the perfect plucking time and expert processing.

The 2025 batch of Castleton Moonlight Tea delivers everything that makes Darjeeling’s First Flush teas so beloved – bright flavors, floral complexity, and a delicate, sweet finish. Thanks to optimal weather and early spring plucking, this year’s lot is even more spectacular than previous harvests.

Made from AV2 (Ambari Vegetative 2) – a highly prized tea bush clone known for its sweet, floral character – this tea reflects the pinnacle of Darjeeling craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned tea aficionado or a curious newcomer, Castleton Moonlight Tea 2025 is an invitation to savor something truly exceptional.