Phoobsering is one of the oldest plantations in Darjeeling’s West Valley. Interestingly, the tea estate was not named according to any accepted conventions of the time. It did not take its name from its earliest owners. Neither—as was common—is it romantically named after the breathtaking vistas as described in the local Lepcha language. No mythological gods, no ancient legend, nor any historical event gave meaning to its nomenclature.

Phoobsering was very simply named after the man who was its first “Sardar,” or supervisor. The person’s name was Phoob Tshering. Not much of the garden’s history remains in public memory, probably because of the numerous times the estate changed hands since its inception in the mid-1800s. Perhaps it is apt that a veil of mystery surrounds the garden’s past, just as the veil of mists often envelops the Phoobsering Estate.

The estate ranges from 914–1828 meters in altitude and has a total planted area of 236 hectares. In this valley, the cool mountain air makes the bushes grow gradually, and the climatic conditions ensure that the tea leaves exude that special Darjeeling muscatel aroma to the fullest extent.

Phoobsering teas have many admirers around the world, but little is sold in the USA. Phoobsering Estate starts plucking in early spring and yields a light-bodied, pale brew with a subtle, half-fermented, lingering lemony-floral flavor that is reminiscent of the most delicate white teas.