Puttabong Tea 2025 – Fruity Kakra Muscatel Summer Darjeeling

Puttabong Kakra Muscatel – A Second Flush Delight

Presenting the Puttabong Kakra Muscatel 2025, an outstanding Second Flush Darjeeling tea known for its rich muscatel character, crafted from dehydrated tea leaves – locally referred to as “Kakra”, meaning dry and curled with concentrated flavor. This premium tea is harvested from one of the highest sections of the Puttabong Tea Estate, nestled at an altitude of 6,500 ft.

We had previously passed on this grade after 2022, as it lacked the depth and finesse we expect from the true and original Kakra Muscatel. But the 2025 harvest delivered all the hallmarks of a classic and more. This year’s batch resonated with the aromatic richness, fruity undertones, and full-bodied smoothness that defines the best of “Puttabong Kakra Musk” to be exact when it was first produced and when we had it. The name has now transitioned from “Puttabong Kakra Musk” to “Puttabong Kakra Muscate” which means basically the same. Musk and Muscatel are interchangeable. 

A Story from the Garden – Selection and Origins

Located in the northern stretches of Darjeeling, the sprawling Puttabong Tea Estate covers over 22 kilometers and is divided into five unique divisions. During the peak of the Second Flush 2025 season, we sampled 9 different lots of this Kakra Muscatel grade. Out of them, 2 invoices/batches stood out and out of the two, we chose the invoice EX-51 which inturn was a winner when the best 2 were compared. Offering the perfect fusion of muscatel fruitiness, strength and aroma.

Thanks to a successful bulk negotiation, we were able to secure it – a limited opportunity to enjoy top-tier Darjeeling muscatel available and bought after 3 years.

The dry leaves of the Puttabong Kakra Muscatel 2025 are a visual feast for tea lovers. These leaves showcase a beautifully coppery sheen with an attractive mix of black, dark brown, chestnut and hints of golden tips scattered throughout. Each leaf is finely twisted and consistent in size – a clear indicator of careful hand-plucking and skilled manufacturing.

Made entirely from quality tea leaves, this tea natural abundance of silver tips and has lovely intensity and depth of flavor. The dry aroma is enchanting – a fusion of honeyed sweetness, mild cocoa, toasted almond and musky florals, layered with a buttery richness and a faint jaggery-like tone. These notes hint at the complexity that unfolds in the cup, promising a refined muscatel experience.

Upon infusion, the wet tea leaves reveal a lively coppery-bronze hue with touches of chocolate brown, highlighting their excellent oxidation. The aroma is fresh yet deep – a beautiful interplay of plummy fruit, wildflowers, toasted nuts and minty freshness. As you breathe in, there’s an unmistakable Darjeeling signature: that elusive muscatel scent that is both earthy and ethereal.

What stands out in this infusion is the tea’s aromatic complexity. Notes of ripe guava, dark berries, jaggery and a faint citrus-like lift swirl together, creating a sensory experience even before the first sip. There’s also a gentle cooling sensation, almost peppermint-like, that enhances the sweetness and adds a refreshing dimension to the aroma. This is the kind of infusion that invites a long, thoughtful steep – to fully appreciate its many layers.

The liquor of Puttabong Kakra Muscatel tea is a stunning deep copper-gold, reflecting both richness and clarity. The first impression on the nose is unmistakably muscatel, with sweet floral and fruity notes rising gracefully from the cup – reminiscent of honey-drenched plums, roasted almonds, ripe guavas and a cool minty finish.

The mouthfeel is velvety and full-bodied. As the tea glides across the tongue, it starts with a slightly salty spark at the tip, which quickly evolves into waves of layered flavor: almond, honey, soft lime and a whisper of cocoa. The cup finishes with a long, sweet aftertaste, echoing notes of musky florals and ripe stone fruits. It’s a tea that transforms with every sip – one that tea connoisseurs will want to pause for and savor.

Why It’s Special?

Darjeeling is celebrated around the world for its muscatel teas, and this Puttabong Kakra Muscatel 2025 is a textbook example of why. Unlike its 2022 predecessor – which we consciously skipped due to lack of character – this year’s batch has arrived in full bloom. The vibrant flavors, aromatic complexity and traditional craftsmanship all point to a tea that stands out even among Darjeeling’s finest.

Whether you’re a long-time Darjeeling enthusiast or discovering the magic of Second Flush for the first time, this tea offers a rare opportunity to taste a heritage muscatel Darjeeling. Limited stock, unmatched quality – truly, a tea worth celebrating.