The Republic of Tea Unveils Limited Edition First Flush Darjeeling for Spring 2026
The Leading Purveyor of Premium Teas and Herbs Presents This Year’s First Hand-Plucked Darjeeling Leaves from Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate in India
LARKSPUR, CALIF. – The Republic of Tea, leading purveyor of premium teas and herbs, announces the release of its newest First Flush Darjeeling, an exceptionally rare, early spring harvest sourced from the legendary Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate in West Bengal, India. The tea is available in limited quantities—once sold out, it will not return until 2027.
Celebrated by tea connoisseurs as the most prized harvest of the year, “First Flush” refers to the initial hand-plucking of young tea leaves at the very start of spring. This fleeting harvest window produces a tea known for its vibrancy, delicacy, and layered complexity—qualities that cannot be replicated later in the season. Grown in the misty Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling, Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate is revered not only for its exceptional tea, but also for its rich, romantic history and striking landscape. Set across rolling hills, orchid-lined slopes, and river valleys, the estate’s unique terroir, at elevations over 4,000 feet, yields tea with remarkable aromatic clarity and nuance.
This year’s First Flush Darjeeling renders a light amber-golden cup that is both lively and refined. Soft floral notes are complemented by a delicate hint of almond, while subtle touches of tropical fruit round out a crisp, elegant finish capturing the freshness and nuance of spring in every sip.
The 2026 First Flush Darjeeling marks the 24th edition of The Republic of Tea’s Darjeeling Art Collectors’ Series, with this year’s tin featuring original artwork by McKinley Forbes, age 13. Titled “Openness”, the watercolor design depicts individual tea bushes as delicate dots coming together to form a larger whole, evoking a sense of connection and unity. The artwork emulates the warmth of a joyful sunrise, reflecting the spirit of the season.
Each collectible tin contains 2.8 oz. of full-leaf loose tea that has been hand plucked and air freighted this to ensure the freshest cup possible. It retails for $36, equaling approximately $1.25 per cup. For more information on The Republic of Tea’s Darjeeling and other premium teas and herbs, visit www.republicoftea.com. Follow The Republic of Tea on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF TEA
The Republic of Tea enriches people’s lives through its great-tasting premium teas and herbs, education and innovation, as it emphasizes a “Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp®” lifestyle. Founded in 1992, The Republic of Tea sparked a specialty tea revolution. Today, the brand offers a selection of nearly 400 all-natural premium teas and diverse offerings at an incredible value, which include, but are not limited to: Beautifying Botanicals®, organic SuperHerb® Teas, Be Well® Teas, Bridgerton Teas, organic Single Sips® and Tablespoon Concentrates.
As a part of its steadfast commitment to sustainability and social responsibility,
The Republic of Tea proudly aligns with organizations such Climate Collaborative, the American Herbal Products Association, and the Ethical Tea Partnership and its Women of Tea programs. The company also actively supports community-focused organizations including the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation and Whole Foods Market Foundation.
The Republic of Tea holds multiple certifications, including Gluten-Free certification, Regenerative Organic certification, OU Kosher certification, and USDA Organic certification.
Press Contacts: Nicole Lax, Siena Di Roma, and Sophia D’Amico at 415.325.5519, pr@republicoftea.com
