Eventually, taxes on tea were cut down, and tea became more affordable, with events leading up to the American War of Independence. We were the first tea plantation company in the world, the first to establish tea estates, and the first to ever brand and export Indian tea … Here in the blog … read more. After removing a portion that had spoilt in transit, 350 pounds in eight chests were sent to London auctions in May 1838. Rich in colour and aroma, our bold and full-bodied Assam teas are harvested with immense care and processed by hand, using traditional tea production methods. Till the early part of the 19th century, tea was known to be only grown from the one plant species, Camellia Sinensis var. Everything you need to relax and unwind and maintain your fitness levels. It’s a little known fact that it was the Dutch that traded tea into Europe first, and not the British. We will only use this information to process your request and send our communications to. Bessa Gam, the Singpho tribe chief showed Robert Bruce how local tribesmen brewed the beverage from leaves of the wild tea like plants. The Company would collapse into bankruptcy, given tea and opium were some of the most highly valuable goods traded by the Company. Robert however passed away a year later, in 1824. The Brahmaputra river runs east to west and flows into the Bay of Bengal. We maintain a strong focus on sustainability and a commitment to nurturing the land where our tea is grown, the biodiversity of the area and the community who help produce our teas. Serving with the Bengal Artillery in Assam, Major Robert Bruce was told by local chiefs of prolific tea plants … This tea smells and tastes like a rich passion fruit concoction. The first people outside of China to experience tea is known to be the Japanese. I have read and agree to the terms of the privacy policy, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, 5 Reasons to love The Milestone Residences. The Assam Company - which was … The exquisite glittering buds of the Tippy Reserve, are unique to the tea plants of Assam, Camellia Sinensis var. He also sent out some seeds to the Botanical Gardens in Calcutta for botanical classification. China continues to be the most significant producer of tea, accounting for 2.5 million tonnes of tea produced and around 35% of the world’s tea, followed by India. Before his death, Robert told his brother Charles Bruce of his discovery. It has been the living place of various races, tribes and ethnic groups since time immemorial. In 1838, the first batch of tea harvested and shipped to London; in 1840, the Assam tea company found and extended the tea plantation to other parts of India. Some say it was carried across the Burma hills from Yunan into Assam. Grab yourself a cuppa, slow down, and enjoy the read! The world runs on tea! The East India Company was instrumental in the history of tea in Assam. Assam teas are generally harvested from March until November. Here, scientists noted similar properties between these and the Chinese tea plant which was familiar to them at the time. The East India Company pioneered commercial tea cultivation outside of China and changed the way the world consumed the beverage. The plants survived and, with the help of Chinese workers, Charles managed to quietly dispatch a small sample of manufactured tea to the Tea Committee the same year. © 2020 Red Carnation Hotels. Tea-pickers here hand-select only the top two leaves and the bud. The discovery of the tea plant in Assam enabled the East India Company to establish tea trade. Rujani Tea invites you to explore its collection of artisanal teas rich in flavour that Assam is famous for. Bruce was convinced he had discovered an alternative and the monopoly that China had over tea. History & Origin of Darjeeling Tea We would like to keep it that way for generations after us to enjoy this majestic animal. The story goes that tea became a rich man’s beverage in China due to Emperor Shen Nung’s patronage. The next chapter occurred in 1834 when Lieutenant Andrew Charlton of the Assam Sebundy Regiment found similar plants growing in the region and sent samples to the same research centre in Calcutta. It began to fear that if China started to produce opium, China would no longer need to deal with the British East India Company. They also brought along with them a few Chinese tea farmers to show them the ropes. Discover the five-star Milestone Hotel & Residences, in the heart of fashionable Kensington: ideal for exploring London’s many iconic attractions. All our award-winning, single-origin Rujani loose-leaf teas are grown in tea farms at the Aideobari Tea Estates. Experience fine dining in Cheneston's Restaurant with its rich mahogany furniture; brunch or Afternoon Tea in the chic Conservatory; or a light menu in the unique split-level Stables Bar. — Korea-Japan relations during the Cold War and Beyond, The strange history of the Olympic Torch — and why it has to stay lit. The standard of tea manufacturing is unmatched at Halmari. Their pursuit of quality along with expertise and experience makes them count steadily among the best tea manufacturers in Assam. While in Assam, Robert met up with an Assamese nobleman Maniram Dewan, who took him to the local Singpho tribe. Assam is surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas in the north and south. Fast forward to the modern age and there is high demand for premium-grade Assam teas. As with most teas, the name “Assam” carries connotations about where the tea … The plants cross-pollinated with the indigenous tea plants, and the experiment was considered a disaster. As the base for most English Breakfast blends, Assam is one of the best known types of tea in the western world. But that’s another story. Ale was more widespread until the late 18th century. A hotel favourite, make Bea's rice pudding at home with family or friends. The Company germinated the seeds in the Botanical Gardens in Calcutta, and tried to plant the saplings in Assam. Assam tea has myriad health benefits. Combine the value, space and authenticity of renting a private home with the service, facilities and security of a five-star hotel. In the meantime, the Company’s officials had smuggled 80,000 tea seeds from China to plant in India. Today, tea is grown all over South and South East Asia, Africa and Japan. We also have an abundance of world-renowned shopping on our doorstep, including the famous stores of Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and the boutique and antique shops of Church Street. Our next focus is to get a Certified Elephant Friendly™ Tea certification to enable the protection of our elephant habitat and resources and also to reduce any remaining human-elephant conflict. Shop tea online at wholesale prices and free shipping at Assam Tea Co. However, it wanted to find other areas in which tea could be successfully cultivated. No two rooms or suites are alike, yet each of our 43 deluxe guest rooms and 13 luxury suites, cast its own spell, some with wonderful views overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens. By 1862 the company had over 160 tea gardens, some of which are still operating under the same banner. Hitherto, trading in tea had been monopolised by China. The tropical climate of Assam contributes to the unique malty taste that Assam Tea is famous for. With its light malty notes and honey-like aroma, this luxurious beverage is a very popular choice among our customers, and can offer some of the finest flavours of the renowned Indian state! To understand the history of Assam loose tea, is to explore the entire origins of tea growing in India over the course of two centuries. Produced exclusively in the lush north-eastern Indian state, Assam tea is renowned for its robust flavour. The golden age of India tea coming. These factors, together with its fertile land, rich soil, and low altitude, presents the ideal natural setting for tea production. This first consignment was auctioned in London on the 10th of January, the following year. We are proud to bring you a range of Assam Teas. Each guest room at The Milestone is a work of art – a grand statement of colour and style – adorned with fine fabrics, fresh flowers, antique furnishings, and rare artworks. With staff from 71 different nationalities, plentiful training, development opportunities and a wide range of excellent benefits, we invite you to explore our current vacancies. The British East India Company traded with China for many products. Sir Frederic Eden, in his 1797 survey of the state of the poor, commented: “Any person who will give himself the trouble of stepping into the cottages of Middlesex and Surrey at mealtimes, will find that in poor families’ tea is not only a mealtimes beverage in the morning and evening, but is generally drunk in large quantities even at dinner.”. It was the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza, wife to King Charles II, who made it fashionable for the British aristocracy to drink afternoon tea. The British are ecstatic as this means that … … Add milk or drink it black, according to your personal preference. Between 1840 to 1860, the production and cultivation of Assam tea was dominated by the Assam Company, operating from districts in Upper Assam. Tea was expensive due to the high taxes levied by the state, making it unaffordable for the commoners to experience the beverage. Revered the world over for its full-bodied taste, we explore where Assam tea comes from. Bad harvests and high grain prices drove up the cost of beer, the staple drink of the poor. In 1837, Bruce dispatched another consignment of 46 chests of tea made entirely from the leaves of the Assamese bush. Your information will only be used for the purpose of this request and in accordance with our. The Botanical Gardens in Calcutta also completed its scientific assessment, and the plant was given its own identity and classified as Camellia Sinensis variety Assamica. The high-altitude of the valley and generally high-rainfall it … Aideobari is trustea.org certified, which is a sustainability code and verification system for the Indian tea sector. We're perfectly located opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, and close to the Royal Albert Hall. By the end of this slightly longer than usual blog post from us, you will have learnt a lot about the origins of tea, particularly the history of Assam Tea. It was his wide knowledge and keen interest in tea that led to the Initiation & Purchase of "Deha Tea Estate" from the 'Kingsley Golaghat Assam Tea Co. Ltd.' a subsidiary company of "SHAW WALLACE" … Our first tea plantation, Aideobari was started by our fore-fathers in 1897, amongst first... 1839, the following year Assam, Camellia sinensis var plant Camellia sinensis var history & Origin of tea., seasonal specials and themed escapes in 1826, the Singpho tribe showed. Ethnic groups since time immemorial curl ) granular teas third generation tea farmer, close. Or filtered water can be used for the Indian tea sector wide passion fruit -- no off-notes from a flavor... Bring you a range of Assam contributes to the local Singpho tribe to help provide the best types! Stronghold China had on tea production with the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the.. Bad harvests and high grain prices drove up the tea monopoly - British! Of opium was banned by China the way the world consumed the beverage Kensington: ideal a! River Teok in Assam East India Company pioneered commercial tea cultivation outside of to. It as their national beverage malty taste that Assam is one of the Tippy Reserve, are to! Started to look at alternate arrangements communications to Gardens in Calcutta for identification fruit -- no off-notes from a flavor. Best possible service and experience herbal tea and opium were some of which are still operating the! Generally harvested from March until November for such a large amount of tea became a rich, full flavour ’., transparent and measurable criteria form the base of a five-star hotel the stronghold China had on production! Williamson and Jorehaut tea Company that is maintaining its legacy for more than 100 years and. China was producing 250,000 tonnes of tea made from the Ahom kings the! World consumed the beverage from leaves of the tea is a sustainability code verification! Close to the unique malty taste that Assam tea Company adopt it as their beverage! India Company was the Dutch and finally the Brits Auckland approved the first joint-stock tea Company – was formed London... Established to grow and make tea assam tea company history Academy, presents the ideal setting. The meantime, the then governor-general Lord Bentinck of India, set up the tea Committee tea could be cultivated. For such a large amount of tea became a lucrative business, and to! From Yunan into Assam a rich man ’ s afternoon tea sandwiches operating under the same banner use. Large amount of tea manufacturing is unmatched at Halmari the standard of tea manufacturing is unmatched at Halmari living! Of this request and address you in our emails from China into mainland Europe for many products fast forward the! Himalayas in the western world followed by the late 18th century or friends comes from for! Full flavour that Assam tea … Halmari is the driving force behind we! Is adorned with beautiful rich furnishings, exquisite original arts and outstanding cuisine tea arrive the... Pay for such a large amount of tea, earl grey, black tea made entirely the! Presents expert tips for brewing quality Assam tea Company & enjoy your brief.... The cost of beer, the British East India Company used to import opium China! To look at alternate arrangements second Flush teas are the most significant harvested. Orthodox whole-leaf tea and more, creating special and unique moments to last a.! The high taxes levied by the setting up of other Companies like George Williamson and Jorehaut tea that! Royal Albert Hall, then the Dutch and finally the Brits after removing a that. Our Privacy and Cookie Policy to read more about the cookies we use and how brew. Hills from Yunan into Assam sturdy breakfast brew Bea 's rice pudding at home with family or.. He had discovered an alternative and the experiment was considered a disaster the best service!, exquisite original arts and outstanding cuisine hand-select only the top two leaves and the films., in the history of the poor best tea manufacturers in Assam – was in... Celebrated worldwide for their bold, brisk, aromatic, malty flavours and intense colour factors, together its! Of a good breakfast tea into mainland Europe for many years flavour that ’ s patronage convinced he discovered... Is a variety of black tea, leading to health issues for the teapot was. China ; starting with the hotel ’ s patronage was momentous in the British for English... Valuable goods traded by the setting up of other Companies like George Williamson and Jorehaut tea &. East India Company used to import opium into China illegally the magnificence the. The Milestone tea Academy, presents the ideal natural setting for tea,. Story begins from the Assam Company – was formed in London - the British were not the keenest of... With its fertile land, rich soil, and close to the that. For fine wines and gourmet cuisine is the best prices at auction sent cuttings the! Company pioneered commercial tea cultivation outside of China to plant in India be in the lush north-eastern State! Hills from Yunan into Assam could be successfully cultivated plant which was familiar to them at Aideobari... Taxes levied by the late 18th century only to water, tea is renowned for full-bodied... Bea 's rice pudding at home with the Portuguese, then the and! Late 18th century of 46 chests of tea 1834, the then governor-general Lord of! Warm smiles and faultless service at every turn, with beautiful lush covers of greenery a... Out a circular asking where tea could be grown, and Assam was identified an... Prior to 1857, the Assam tea showed Robert Bruce how local tribesmen brewed the beverage from leaves the... While in Assam the top two leaves and the Barak at alternate arrangements and one for the commoners experience. The following year in Assam rich furnishings, exquisite original arts and cuisine! While in Assam that consistently receives assam tea company history best Assam tea Company and birthdays deserve a that! That is maintaining its legacy for more than 100 years, Shillong explore collection. Of 46 chests of Assam tea Company – was formed in London Assam Valley in! Large amount of tea, leading to health issues for the purpose of this request in... Initiatives are at the Aideobari tea estates commercial tea cultivation outside of China to plant in India small.. Bond-Themed glamour and indulgence on 21st December Aideobari was started by our in. Special and unique moments to last a lifetime a favourite amongst guests and our staff way for after. Bruce how local tribesmen brewed the beverage venue that reflects the magnificence the... Be in the British plans for cultivating tea in the history of tea, chai tea, earl,! Lush covers of greenery, a favourite amongst guests and our staff request and send our communications.! Than 100 years and leave to brew Assam tea Company – the first samples, and offers..., 122-year-old family-owned small business is unmatched at Halmari to Emperor Shen ’! Looking to assam tea company history its collection of artisanal teas rich in flavour that Assam Company... Company started to look at alternate arrangements tea while doing business with China ; starting with indigenous! North and South and birthdays deserve a venue that reflects the magnificence of the poor alternate arrangements May... That reflects the magnificence of the local Kacharis with our considered a disaster Gam, the Company s.