• Golden tips are the small, unopened leaves of the tea plant. Tea farmers in Nepal realized that the tea tips were the sweetest part of the tea leaf—the tea plants store all of the nutrients over the winter, so in the spring, the nutrients are pushed out in the first tea tips.
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28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea

28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea

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✔ Super-fine Quality High-Altitude teas

✔ Directly sourced from the Himalayas

✔ Small-batch crafted for purity & freshness

Tea Name: 28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea 

Style: Loose Leaf

Type: Black Tea

Standard: Gold

Sourcing Region: Ilam

Elevation: 6500ft

Suggested Infusions: 2

 

A Rare Expression of Himalayan Terroir

Some teas you drink. This one you experience with reverence.

28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea is crafted exclusively from the youngest top bud and one tender baby leaf. The most prized pluck of the tea plant. Grown at approximately 6,500 feet in the mist-kissed gardens of Ilam.

This Gold Standard Himalayan black tea embodies refinement at its highest level.

At this elevation, slow leaf growth enhances natural sugars and aromatic compounds naturally. The result? Extraordinary smoothness and layered depth rarely found in conventional black teas.

This is not everyday black tea. This is Himalayan Grand Cru.

What Makes Golden Tips Tea So Exceptional

Golden Tips refers to delicate unopened buds that turn golden during oxidation. Their natural fine hairs capture light. These buds contain elevated levels of amino acids and essential oils.

This creates:

  • Silky texture that coats your palate
  • Soft honeyed sweetness without added sugar
  • Refined aromatic complexity that unfolds slowly
  • Elegant mouthfeel that lingers beautifully

Because 28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea is harvested as one bud and one leaf, the cup delivers remarkable finesse. Without the harsh tannins associated with lower-grade black teas.

This is premium loose leaf black tea at its pinnacle.

Flavor Profile — Fine Wine Elegance in a Tea Cup

This tea carries fine wine-like smoothness. Complexity that rewards attention.

The cup opens with:

Soft honeyed florals. Ripe pear and golden raisin. Subtle stone fruit undertones emerging.

Mid-palate reveals:

Toasted almond depth. Warm malt character. Delicate nuttiness. Light creamy body that feels luxurious.

Finish:

Rounded. Clean. Velvety. Long and quietly sweet.

There is depth without heaviness. Structure without aggression.

Where some high-mountain black teas lean sharp or brisk, Shangri-La Golden Tips maintains composure and silk-like refinement. Often appreciated by connoisseurs who enjoy First Flush Darjeeling. Yet seek greater smoothness and less sharp astringency.

This is what exceptional Himalayan black tea tastes like.

Elevation & Craftsmanship

Altitude: ~6,500 ft
Pluck Standard: Top bud + first leaf
Processing: Carefully withered, gently rolled, fully oxidized
Grade: Gold

Slow maturation at high elevation develops complexity naturally. Not through heavy processing. Not through shortcuts.

This results in:

  • Controlled astringency with minimal bitterness
  • Elevated creaminess coating your palate
  • Soft earthiness grounding the cup
  • Balanced fruit structure that never overwhelms

The tea glows with deep amber-gold liquor. Almost luminous.

Why 28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Stands Apart

One Bud + One Baby Leaf Craftsmanship
The most refined plucking standard. Reserved for exceptional teas.

High Elevation Himalayan Terroir
Altitude creates complexity impossible to replicate at lower elevations.

Silky, Wine-Like Smoothness
Structure and elegance in perfect balance.

Naturally Creamy Finish
No additives. Just elevated amino acid content from slow growth.

Balanced Fruit and Nut Elegance
Layers of flavor revealing themselves with each sip.

Minimal Harsh Tannins
Smooth drinking without astringency punishing your palate.

For those seeking premium loose leaf black tea online, this is a connoisseur's selection.

Brewing Recommendations

Leaf: 2 g per 8 oz
Water: 195–205°F
Steep: 3–4 minutes
Infusions: 2

For enhanced creaminess, use slightly cooler water. For deeper fruit expression, extend steep slightly.

Gong Fu style brewing highlights evolving sweetness beautifully. Multiple short infusions reveal new dimensions.

A Black Tea for Collectors

28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea is designed for refined palates. For those who appreciate structure, terroir, and nuanced sweetness.

It performs exceptionally as:

  • Morning luxury black tea starting your day with elegance
  • Afternoon contemplative cup for mindful moments
  • Food pairing tea complementing fine cuisine
  • Alternative to high-end Darjeeling with superior smoothness

This is Himalayan black tea elevated to its finest expression.

This is tea worth collecting.

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A Connoisseur’s Take

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.

Methods to Brew Tea

We believe that your tea experience should be completely personal. Individual taste buds are unique and there is no right or wrong way to brew tea. Therefore we encourage tea lovers to not necessarily bind to traditional methods but let their experience, and discovery guide them. After all, that is where the joy of drinking tea lies. You should try different amounts of tea, steeping time, and water temperature to find the perfect taste you’ll fall in love with.

  • Mild-Smooth

    1. Get 10 oz filtered water and bring it to a boil.
    2. Add about 1 teaspoon of tea buds into a clear glass or in your Steeping cup.
    3. Pour the boiling hot water into your clear glass or steeping cup containing tea buds.
    4. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
    5. The color is light golden. Strain and enjoy every sip of it.
    6. Repeat for the second infusion.

  • Robust-Energizing

    1. Get 10 oz filtered water and bring it to a boil.
    2. Add about 1.5 teaspoons of tea buds into a clear glass or in your Steeping cup.
    3. Pour the boiling hot water into your clear glass or steeping cup containing tea buds.
    4. Let it steep for 6 minutes.
    5. The color is Dark golden. Strain and enjoy every sip of it.
    6. Repeat for the second infusion.

Iced teas

Can you make sweet/ unsweet iced teas from loose-leaf teas?

Of course, you can! High-quality loose-leaf teas make the most refreshing iced teas—smooth, crisp, and oh-so-quenching!

While some might call it blasphemous to add sweetener/sugar to high-quality loose-leaf teas, here in Texas, where sweet iced tea is a beloved tradition, we have been using our loose-leaf to uplift the iced tea experience.

We have tried and perfected the art of turning your favorite loose-leaf tea into a delicious iced delight.
It's time to try it for yourself. Here's how we do it:

Pro tip: Feel free to experiment with water amounts, temperature, steeping time, tea quantity, and sweetener quantity to find your perfect balance.

Steep suggestions for iced teas:

Amount of Water: 2 Liters
Amount of Loose Tea: 10-12 grams (5-6 teaspoons)
Steeping Time: 15-20 minutes
Steeping Temperature: 190-2000°F

Steps to Brew Iced Tea:
Step 1: Start with a 2-liter batch.
Boil water, then remove it from heat. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes until it's around 190-200°F.
Step 2: Add loose-leaf tea.
Add 10 to 12 grams of your favorite loose-leaf tea OR 5 to 6 teaspoons.
Step 3: Steep the tea.
Steep for 15-20 minutes (or longer if you prefer a stronger brew).
Step 4: Strain and cool.
Strain the tea, then let it cool down. Add ice.
(Pro tip: For best flavor, let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Add ice when you drink.)
Step 5: Sweeten to taste.
Add your favorite sweetener, but remember that balance is key—don’t let the sweetener overpower the tea’s flavor. (Pro tip: As you sip, let the tea linger in your mouth for a couple of seconds to fully enjoy its rich flavors.)

FAQs

What Is Golden Tips Tea?

Golden Tips Tea is one of the most premium grades of black tea made primarily from the youngest tea buds — specifically the top bud and first tender leaf of the Camellia sinensis plant.

These delicate buds are covered in fine golden hairs (trichomes) that turn copper-gold during oxidation, giving the dry leaf its signature shimmering appearance. Because only the most tender plucks are used, Golden Tips Tea delivers exceptional smoothness, natural sweetness, and refined structure.

In the world of specialty tea, Golden Tips Tea is considered among the most luxurious and sought-after loose leaf teas.

If you're looking to buy premium Golden Tips Tea online, 28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea from the Himalayas represents one of Nepal’s finest expressions of this rare grade.

How Is Golden Tips Tea Different from Regular Black Tea?

Golden Tips Tea is technically a black tea, but it belongs to the highest tier of black tea craftsmanship.

Here’s how it stands apart:

1. Plucking Standard

Golden Tips Tea is harvested as one bud and one baby leaf — the most delicate and refined part of the tea plant.

Standard black tea often includes mature leaves and mixed grades.

2. Flavor Profile

Golden Tips Tea offers:

• Silky texture

• Soft honeyed sweetness

• Pear and stone-fruit notes

• Nutty creaminess

• Fine wine-like finish

Regular black teas typically deliver stronger malt, briskness, and higher tannin presence.

Golden Tips is smoother, more elegant, and less aggressive — making it preferred by tea connoisseurs.

3. Processing

Golden Tips Tea undergoes careful withering and controlled oxidation designed to preserve aromatic oils.

Mass-market black teas prioritize volume over refinement.

If you are searching for the best loose leaf black tea with minimal bitterness, Golden Tips Tea is the superior choice.

Is Golden Tips Tea Better Than Darjeeling Tea?

Golden Tips Tea and Darjeeling tea share Himalayan terroir, but they express it differently.

Many Darjeeling black teas are known for briskness and muscatel sharpness. While prized, they can sometimes carry pronounced tannins and higher astringency.

28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea from Nepal offers:

• Greater silkiness

• Lower harsh tannins

• Creamier mouthfeel

• More rounded fruit sweetness

• Refined finish without sharp edges

For connoisseurs who appreciate high elevation Himalayan tea but seek a smoother, more composed cup, Nepal Golden Tips Tea often becomes the preferred alternative.

Both regions produce exceptional teas. However, premium Nepal Tea like Shangri-La Golden Tips is increasingly recognized globally for delivering comparable sophistication with superior smoothness.

If you're exploring premium Darjeeling alternatives, consider purchasing Nepal Golden Tips Tea online for a more elegant experience.

What Is the Difference Between Golden Tips Tea and Silver Tips Tea?

The difference lies in the bud maturity and processing style.

Golden Tips Tea

• Made from young buds plus one tender leaf

• Fully oxidized (black tea style)

• Richer body

• Honeyed fruit character

• Creamy and structured

Silver Tips Tea

• Made from unopened buds only

• Very lightly processed (white tea style)

• Lighter body

• Subtle floral sweetness

• Lower caffeine

Golden Tips Tea delivers more depth and structure compared to the delicate whisper of Silver Tips.

If you want the richness of black tea with the finesse of a bud tea, Golden Tips Tea is the ideal balance.

Where Can I Buy Premium Golden Tips Tea Online?

You can purchase 28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea directly from Danfe Tea’s official website.

We offer:

• Authentic high-elevation Himalayan Golden Tips Tea

• Premium loose leaf black tea sourced from Ilam, Nepal

• Secure checkout

• Nationwide U.S. shipping

• Fresh small-batch packing

• Subscription savings

If you are searching for where to buy the best Golden Tips Tea in the USA, our 28° Shangri-La represents a connoisseur-grade selection.

Why Choose Nepal Golden Tips Tea?

Nepal Tea is rapidly gaining recognition in the global specialty market for its:

• High-elevation terroir

• Clean flavor structure

• Lower harshness compared to many Darjeeling lots

• Handcrafted small-batch production

28° Shangri-La Golden Tips Tea embodies this Himalayan precision.

For collectors, tea sommeliers, and serious loose leaf buyers, this is a refined addition to any premium tea collection.

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