Darjeeling Tea Flushes Explained: First, Second (Muscatel), Monsoon & Autumn

If you read about premium Indian teas, you’ll see the word flush everywhere—especially with Darjeeling. A flush is simply the seasonal harvest of new leaf growth. While many tea regions have seasonal plucking, the concept of “flushes” is most strongly associated with Darjeeling tea, where each season produces a distinctly different cup.

What makes Darjeeling Flushes Unique?

• High altitude & cool mist: Slow leaf growth preserves delicate aromatics.
• Terroir & cultivars: Mostly China varietals that express floral, muscatel, and stone-fruit notes.
• Micro-seasons: Clearly defined harvest windows that change flavor, color, and body.
  

First Flush (Spring)

• When: Late February – April
• Cup: Pale gold liquor; fresh, floral, herbaceous with a lively briskness.
• Why tea lovers chase it: It captures spring’s first tender shoots, light, vivid, and aromatic.
• Brew tip: 80–85°C for ~2–3 minutes.

Shop Darjeeling First Flush Tea

Second Flush (Summer, “Muscatel”)

• When: May – June
• Cup: Amber liquor; muscatel character (grape/stone-fruit), honeyed sweetness, round body.
• Why it’s famous: The classic Darjeeling muscatel profile many collectors prize.
• Brew tip: 85–90°C for ~2–3 minutes.

Shop Darjeeling Second Flush

Monsoon Flush (Rainy Season)

• When: July – September
• Cup: Stronger body, simpler aroma; great value and a solid base for blends or chai.
  Use case: Daily drinking, iced tea, and spiced infusions.
• Brew tip: 90–95°C for ~3 minutes.

Autumn Flush (Fall)

• When: October – November
• Cup: Coppery liquor; smooth, mellow, gently sweet with toasty/nutty hints.
• Why people love it: Balanced comfort cup, more depth than spring, softer than summer.
• Brew tip: ~90°C for 3–4 minutes.

Shop Darjeeling Autumn Flush

Quick Calendar at a Glance

• First Flush: late Feb–Apr → light, floral, brisk
• Second Flush: May–Jun → muscatel, fruity, honeyed
• Monsoon Flush: Jul–Sep → bold, everyday, great for blends
• Autumn Flush: Oct–Nov → smooth, rounded, toasty-sweet

Do other Regions have “flushes” too?

Yes, but Darjeeling is the benchmark for the term.

• India: Assam also has spring/summer/monsoon/autumn harvests (cups are maltier and stronger). Nilgiri plucks year-round with notable winter lots. Kangra (Himachal) and Sikkim (Temi) mirror spring/summer styles.
• Nepal: Very similar seasonality to Darjeeling; some lots show muscatel-like character..
• International: China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and others follow seasonal patterns (e.g., Japan’s ichibancha (first flush)), though they may use different terminology like “first harvest,” “spring tea,” or regional “seasons.”
  

How to choose by Flush (Quick Guide)?

• Bright & delicate → First Flush
• Fruity & iconic muscatel → Second Flush
• Strong & value-friendly → Monsoon Flush
• Smooth & cozy → Autumn Flush

Darjeeling Tea Flushes FAQs

Q1: What does “muscatel” mean in Darjeeling?

A: A naturally grape/stone-fruit-like note with honeyed sweetness that peaks in Second Flush teas.

Q2: Is First Flush always the best?

A: Not necessarily, it’s a style. If you like richer body and fruit, Second Flush may suit you more. Prefer comfort and balance? Try Autumn Flush.

Q3: How should I store seasonal teas?

A: Airtight container, cool/dry/dark place. First Flush benefits from fresh drinking, while Second and Autumn flushes hold their character longer.