Curly Black

Sharad Subba of Jasbire Tea Garden in Illam, Nepal.

Sharad has spent more than 20 years in the tea garden. Starting as a tea plucker and now a tea maker and owner of a factory, he employs 15 workers and buys green leaves from over 72 farmers. Sharad says that tea is his life. He really cannot imagine a life without it. He says, “We don’t make tea, nature does that herself. Our only job is to identify them.”

He wants to grow Jasbire Tea Garden’s impact and pass on the legacy to his young son. He believes his practice of tea to be the “Art of Tea”, that will be backed by the modern understanding of science, brought in by his son.

For Curly Black tea, matured tea leaves are carefully plucked and sorted. These leaves are withered to reduce 50% to 55% of their moisture content under controlled conditions, allowing them to concentrate their natural flavors. This step sets the stage for the bold, deep characteristics that define the tea’s profile. Following the withering process, the leaves are gently rolled to release their aromatic oils and prepare them for fermentation. The rolling also shapes the leaves into their characteristic curved form, a key feature of this tea’s unique appearance.

The fermentation process is deliberately brief, lasting just 3-4 hours, allowing the leaves to develop their rich, malty flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness. After the short fermentation, the leaves undergo a second rolling, or "double roll”. This further refines their shape and texture while enhancing the curved appearance that distinguishes this tea. Finally, the leaves are dried to lock in their complex flavors and preserve their unique roasted notes. This precise process creates a curly black tea with a perfect balance of robust, malty depth and subtle natural sweetness, offering an unforgettable tasting experience.

Jasbire Tea Village, Maipokhari, Nepal

Curly Black Tea is for those who crave bold, complex flavors with a touch of elegance. Its rich notes of cardamom spice, dark cherries, and caramel makes it the perfect black tea with a spicy twist. With its unique curled leaves, it’s an ideal choice for tea connoisseurs who value artistry in every cup and the robust depth and natural sweetness of a well crafted Black tea.