Our Artisanal Orthodox Black Tea is handcrafted using time-honoured techniques that have been passed down through generations of Assam tea makers. The leaves are withered, hand-rolled, oxidised, and dried with meticulous attention at every step — a process that takes significantly longer than machine processing but produces a tea of incomparable depth.
Where CTC processing is about efficiency and strength, orthodox hand-processing is about complexity and craft. Each leaf is rolled by hand, which bruises the cell structure gently and unevenly — this creates a wider range of flavour compounds during oxidation than the uniform crushing of CTC, resulting in a more layered, nuanced cup.
This is a special-occasion tea for those who want to experience the artisan tradition of Assam tea making. It is the kind of tea that makes you slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship in your cup — a small luxury that costs less than a cappuccino but delivers more satisfaction.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep amber liquor with rich, warm tones.
Aroma: Complex and inviting. Dark caramel, dried fruit, and malty warmth.
Flavour: Bold malty character with notes of dark caramel, dried fruit, and a hint of spice. Complex and layered — new notes emerge as the tea cools. Full-bodied and smooth.
Body: Full. Rich and satisfying without heaviness.
Finish: Long and warming. Dark caramel sweetness lingers beautifully
Brewing Guide
- Tea: 1 heaped tsp per cup
- Water: 200ml at 90–95°C
- Steep: 3–4 min
- Serve: Plain to appreciate the full complexity, or with a small splash of milk. Morning or afternoon.
What's in the Box
100g artisanal handmade orthodox black tea (whole leaf, small-batch). From Assam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between orthodox and CTC tea?
A: CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) mechanically breaks leaves into granules for quick, strong brewing — ideal for milk tea. Orthodox processing preserves the whole leaf through gentle rolling, producing a more complex, nuanced flavour with layers that develop over multiple sips. CTC is for daily chai; orthodox is for sipping and savouring.
Q: How is this different from the Artisanal Flowery Black?
A: Both are handmade orthodox teas. The Flowery version (₹750) includes the youngest tips (buds) and has a more pronounced floral character. This Artisanal Orthodox uses slightly more mature leaves, producing a bolder, more malty cup with dark caramel notes.
Q: Can I brew this like regular chai?
A: You can, but we recommend enjoying it differently. Orthodox tea is best steeped (not boiled) and enjoyed plain or with minimal milk. Boiling it on the stove with milk like CTC would waste its complexity.
Why Buy from Namhah
- Garden-Direct Sourcing: Every tea comes directly from the estate — no middlemen, no blending. What is on the label is exactly what is in the pack.
- Dispatched in 24 Hours: Every order ships within 24 hours from our facility in Guwahati, Assam. Delivery via Bluedart and Delhivery within 3–5 business days across India.
- Free Shipping: On all orders above ₹500.
- Taste Before You Buy: Visit our exclusive tea store on GS Road, Christian Basti, Guwahati. Browse 50+ varieties, taste any tea, and get expert recommendations. Open Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM.
- Rated 4.8/5 by 263+ customers. Over 50 million cups sold.
You May Also Like
- Artisanal Flowery Black Orthodox 100g (₹750) — more floral, with youngest tips
- Artisanal Green Tea Handmade 100g (₹450) — handmade green version
- Donyi Polo Orange Pekoe 250g (₹900) — premium orthodox from Arunachal
- Halmari CTC 1KG (₹700) — if you prefer bold CTC instead








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