This Tea is selectively picked downy buds, and supple young leaves right below it, processed into Black tea.
In the early spring, when the first lot of new buds appear, farmers rush to the field to pluck them quickly (usually within a week) before they unfurl into leaves. These fine, potent buds appear after a period of dormancy the tea plant goes through in the winter. This causes them to be full of flavors and packed with antioxidants, when processed into Black tea .
This particular tea originates in the Ilam district of eastern Nepal at an altitude 7000-7500 feet.
Tea Name: 28° Exclusive Golden Tips Shangri-la
Style: Loose Leaf
Type: Black Tea
Standard: Gold
Sourcing Region: Illam
Suggested infusions: 2

With subtle aromatic notes close to raspberries, milky malt, and rose, this mix of greenish brown leaves with copper and gold hued downy buds, produces an off-amber-caramel hued liquor when steeped. With a thick and brothy textured liquid producing an herbaceous taste in your mouth with hidden notes of dark chocolate and caramel. this tea finishes with a slightly dry minty freshness, leaving you enchanted and little tea drunk after couple infusions.
1. Rich in Natural Antioxidants
Early spring buds are naturally high in polyphenols and catechins, compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich teas may support:
- Cellular protection from free radicals
- Healthy aging processes
- Overall wellness support
Because these buds grow slowly at high Himalayan altitudes, they often develop a higher concentration of natural plant compounds.
2. Provides Smooth, Clean Energy
As a black tea, Golden Tips contains natural caffeine balanced with L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves.
This combination may help:
- Promote gentle mental alertness
- Improve focus and concentration
- Provide steady energy without the sharp spikes often associated with coffee
Many tea drinkers enjoy it as a morning or early afternoon tea.
3. May Support Heart Health
Black tea polyphenols have been studied for their role in supporting cardiovascular wellness.
Regular tea drinking may help support:
- Healthy circulation
- Balanced cholesterol levels
- Overall cardiovascular health
These effects are associated with the natural flavonoids found in high-quality black teas.
4. Supports Digestive Comfort
The slightly herbaceous and lightly minty finish described in this tea can feel soothing after meals.
Traditionally, black tea has been enjoyed to:
- Support digestion
- Help the body feel lighter after heavy meals
- Promote a sense of warmth and comfort in the stomach
5. Enhances Mental Relaxation and Mood
Golden Tips teas are known for their complex aromatic profiles — notes of raspberry, rose, caramel, and dark chocolate.
This sensory experience can help:
- Encourage relaxation during tea rituals
- Create a calming moment of mindfulness
- Reduce daily stress through slow tea preparation
Tea culture often emphasizes ritual and reflection, which can benefit mental wellbeing.
6. Naturally Supports Hydration
Unlike sugary beverages, loose-leaf tea offers flavorful hydration without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Drinking quality loose-leaf tea like this one allows you to:
- Stay hydrated while enjoying complex flavors
- Reduce dependence on sweetened drinks
- enjoy a clean, natural beverage.
7. Premium High-Altitude Quality
This tea is grown in Ilam, Nepal, one of the world’s most respected tea regions.
High-altitude Himalayan tea gardens often produce leaves that are:
-
More aromatic and complex
-
Naturally smooth and less harsh
- Richer in natural plant compounds
This is why many tea experts consider Himalayan teas a smoother alternative to many traditional black teas.
Preparation
We believe that tea drinking experience should be completely personal and liberating. There is no right or wrong way to brew tea. Individual taste buds are unique.Therefore, we encourage tea lovers to not necessarily bind themselves with our methods but let their experience, contemplation and discovery be personal. After all, that is where the joy of drinking tea lies.. We believe that a tea drinker should try different variations of brewing methods, amount of tea, steeping time and water temperature to come to find the perfect taste they fall in love with.
We have tried many different methods and variations to brew 28° Exclusive Golden Tips Shangri-la out of which we have picked our favorites as follows:
Mild-Smooth
STEPS
- Get 10 oz filtered water and bring it to boil.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of tea buds into a clear glass or in your Steeping cup.
- Pour the boiling hot water into your clear glass or steeping cup containing tea buds
- Let it steep for 4 minutes.
- The color is light golden. Strain and enjoy every sip of it.
- Repeat for second infusion.
Robust-Energizing
STEPS
- Get 10 oz filtered water and bring it to boil.
- Add about 1.5 teaspoon of tea buds into a clear glass or in your Steeping cup.
- Pour the boiling hot water into your clear glass or steeping cup containing tea buds. 4. Let it steep for 6 minutes.
- The color is Dark golden. Strain and enjoy every sip of it.
- Repeat for second infusion.
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