Darjeeling Castleton Summer Muscatel Black

4.8 91 reviews
Experience the iconic Muscatel magic of Castleton’s summer harvest. Bursting with luscious grape and stone fruit notes, honeyed sweetness, and a refined woody finish, this exquisite black tea is a timeless Darjeeling classic.
Low
Caffeine
Second Flush
picked Jul 2026
Flavor Strength
Medium
Certified
Rainforest Alliance

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The Garden

Nestled in Kurseong, Darjeeling, Castleton Tea Estate was established in 1885 by Dr Charles Graham, taking its name from a castle like bungalow that once overlooked its rolling hills.

Spread across elevations of 1,000 to 1,830 meters, its heritage Chinary bushes yield teas celebrated for vibrant florals and remarkable depth, a true benchmark of Darjeeling excellence.

Tasting Notes

From our Chief Tea Taster
Teabox chief tea taster
Aroma
Pronounced notes of ripe Muscat grapes unfold into warm toasted nuts, delicately layered with honeyed sweetness and subtle zesty accents. Rich, inviting, and unmistakably characteristic of a classic Castleton Summer Muscatel.
Appearance
Deep Amber
Taste
Castleton has long been revered as the benchmark for Darjeeling’s legendary Summer Muscatel teas, celebrated for their remarkable complexity and unmistakable character. This exquisite harvest beautifully upholds that legacy with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and a refined medium body.

The cup opens with vibrant notes of ripe Muscat grapes and succulent stone fruits, soon unfolding into delicate hints of honey, white chocolate, and gentle toasted nuances. As the liquor evolves, subtle woody undertones and a soft earthy depth add structure and elegance, creating a beautifully layered tasting experience.

The finish is long, sweet, and remarkably satisfying, leaving lingering impressions of fruit, warm toast, and delicate Muscat character that invite another contemplative sip.
Darjeeling Castleton Summer Muscatel Black tasting notes
This lot's freshness journey
Verified picking and processing dates. Batch DJ 157 · Muscatel cultivar Muscatel cultivar — Darjeeling's prized muscatel black tea has sweet muscat grape notes, a subtle muskiness and a smooth, lingering finish. It's best in the second flush (May–June). · Grade SFTGFOP1 SFTGFOP1 — Refers to Special Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe One: Simply the best & finest in whole leaf quality

40.8 km · ~1 hrs. The only facility near the source - this lot reached us within 2 hours.

24th- 25th July'26
Picked & processed
Hand-plucked and made at the estate
27th July'26
Arrived at Teabox
Within 24 hrs of manufacturing we receive the teas
27th July'26
Sorted & cleaned
Hand-sorted for impurities, dust, fannings & foreign materials
27th July'26
Vacuum-packed
Ensures freshness & protects from 4 enemies (light, heat, moisture & oxygen)
27th July'26
Stored for freshness
Teas are then stored in one of its kind cold chain facility in India to ensure the quality is preserved
On your order.
Ready to ship
Globally within 24hrs. Direct from our facility at the source

How To Steep

Step 1
Heat 150ml of water to 85–90°C (185-194°F).
Step 2
Measure 2 tsp (2.5 g) of tea into the teapot or infuser.
Step 3
Pour the hot water over the leaves and cover.
Step 4
Let it steep for 5 minutes.
Step 5
Strain and pour. These leaves give their best in one steep.
Serving
Enjoy it plain.
Storage Instructions
Airtight container, away from heat, sunlight and moisture.

Certifications

Certification
Certification
Certification
100% Pure & Fresh Darjeeling Tea
100% Pure & Fresh Darjeeling Tea
Certified by the Tea Board of India under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. Darjeeling CTM License No.- DJ/489/13032015/TE
TEA BOARD OF INDIA LICENSE
TEA BOARD OF INDIA LICENSE
DARJEELING CERTIFIED TRADE MARK
DARJEELING CERTIFIED TRADE MARK
With the rise of adulterated Darjeeling teas blended with teas from different regions, it is important to choose an authentic Indian brand. All of our Darjeeling teas, sourced fresh from the gardens, are sold with a Certified Trademark license.

YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED

  • 5 stars: 71 (78%)
  • 4 stars: 20 (22%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
C
Customer (Tamil Nadu, India)
A bit pricey, but the flavor is really good.

You can taste the quality of the tea leaves and the depth of the roasting.

A
Asesh K
The flavor is without a parallel 👌👌

The flavor is just exquisite. This is the best ever Muscatel I have come across; from Teabox or elsewhere 👌👌

I
Igsu
Very good taste nice...

Very good taste nice balance

K
Kamal
Lovely muscatel

I loved the clear muscatel notes in this tea. It was that distinct flavour that you just don't get in blends or even many other single estates.

I
INDRAJIT SIL (Karnataka, India)
Darjeeling Castleton—a flavour you won’t forget

Like the gentle embrace of muscatel, love the taste a mild sweetness woven with a rich, fresh aroma of verdant greens. It’s soft yet unforgettable, painting a serene memory on my palate

K
Kat B (British Columbia, Canada)
Excellent tea

Absolutely my most fabulous tea out of the black sampler box (along with Margaret's Hope Summer).
Really great tea, flavourful. I also add a splash of milk& sugar. I find it sweet + nutty

K
Kevin Sherman
Delicious tea from a premier estate

The Castleton definitely lived up to the name and reputation! Fragrant, with that Darjeeling special muscatel flavor.

K
Kevin Sherman
Delicious tea from a premier estate

The Castleton definitely lived up to the name and reputation! Fragrant, with that Darjeeling special muscatel flavor.

V
Vikas
Excellent tea

One of my favorites!! Great way to start my mornings.

H
Hemant
It has distinguished notes

It has some very fine subtle notes, which linger on on taste. A very exquisite 2nd flush tea.

H
Hemant
It has distinguished notes

It has some very fine subtle notes, which linger on on taste. A very exquisite 2nd flush tea.

P
PRADIP
Excellent Products from TEABOX

Excellent. I always love trom Teabox's Quality Products

P
PRADIP
Excellent Products from TEABOX

Excellent. I always love trom Teabox's Quality Products

F
Frederick
Extraordinary and special, delicious...

Extraordinary and special, delicious to breathe in and a joy to taste. Thank you to all involved in making this superb tea.

F
Frederick
Extraordinary and special, delicious...

Extraordinary and special, delicious to breathe in and a joy to taste. Thank you to all involved in making this superb tea.

I
Igsu
Very good taste nice...

Very good taste nice balance

K
Kamal
Lovely muscatel

I loved the clear muscatel notes in this tea. It was that distinct flavour that you just don't get in blends or even many other single estates.

K
Krishna Mitra
Thank you sir--this tea is

Thank you sir--this tea is so nice-- nice flavour with smooth body,it welcomes me,and my day

K
Krishna Mitra
Thank you sir--this tea is

Thank you sir--this tea is so nice-- nice flavour with smooth body,it welcomes me,and my day

H
Hemant
Castleton Exotic Summer Muscatel Black Tea

Very good second flush tea.
Subtle aroma with very fine taste

H
Hemant
Castleton Exotic Summer Muscatel Black Tea

Very good second flush tea.
Subtle aroma with very fine taste

S
Sushil
This Castleton tastes better than the one sold by Goodricke themselves

I have no idea how tea-box mange’s to deliver Castleton that tastes better and more fresh than the one sold by Goodrick themselves. The is definitely a much more unmistakeable muscatel which a little more subtle than Jungpana. I had to restraint myself from hoarding this during the sale.

S
Sushil
This Castleton tastes better than the one sold by Goodricke themselves

I have no idea how tea-box mange’s to deliver Castleton that tastes better and more fresh than the one sold by Goodrick themselves. The is definitely a much more unmistakeable muscatel which a little more subtle than Jungpana. I had to restraint myself from hoarding this during the sale.

A
Abhay
Heavenly

Perfect coppery golden colour , perfect bodied , exotic fruity aroma— very satisfying experience

A
Abhay
Heavenly

Perfect coppery golden colour , perfect bodied , exotic fruity aroma— very satisfying experience

K
Kamal
Ultimate Muscatel experienxe

I am a huge fan of second flush Darjeeling Muscatels and I haven’t come across anything to beat this tea from Castleton. Quintessentially Muscatel, quintessentially Darjeeling. Every sip gives you a feeling of being transported to the hills where you can literally feel the damp, chill morning air while the indescribable aroma pampers your nostrils. Need I say more :-)

K
Kamal
Ultimate Muscatel experienxe

I am a huge fan of second flush Darjeeling Muscatels and I haven’t come across anything to beat this tea from Castleton. Quintessentially Muscatel, quintessentially Darjeeling. Every sip gives you a feeling of being transported to the hills where you can literally feel the damp, chill morning air while the indescribable aroma pampers your nostrils. Need I say more :-)

S
SOURAV
Completes your day

After a hard day, it refreshes with the fruity musky aroma. As you sip it, the smooth taste helps you unwind. It tends to balance the taste even if you make it a bit stronger.

S
SOURAV
Completes your day

After a hard day, it refreshes with the fruity musky aroma. As you sip it, the smooth taste helps you unwind. It tends to balance the taste even if you make it a bit stronger.

v
vaclav
fruity aroma with a sweet and velvety smooth taste

The beautiful appearance of leafy tea, a very attractive musk, but not a primrose, fruity aroma with a sweet and velvety smooth taste, depth and a warm long aftertaste...!!

v
vaclav
fruity aroma with a sweet and velvety smooth taste

The beautiful appearance of leafy tea, a very attractive musk, but not a primrose, fruity aroma with a sweet and velvety smooth taste, depth and a warm long aftertaste...!!