Grade of all darjeeling whole leaf are FTGFOP1 or SFTGFOP1?

Most single estate DJs that find their way to western shores are of better qualities, usually FTG.. or SFT..., whereas most of the lower grades (down to dust) end up in blends or teabags, usually sold without grading. There are however noteworthy exceptions, Gopaldhara´s excellent Oolongs (e.g. "Red Thunder") are sometimes sold as FOP (different plucking system) and once in a blue moon I´m partial to Mim Tea´s GFOP, a nice strong breakfast tea.

Nope, they grade their teas as whatever comes to their minds (and bears some similarity), then once in a while some vendors add their 2 cents and do a little upgrading. The "1" means "a little better" but not quite up to the next higher grade.

Just google for Darjeeling and TGFOP, GFOP, FOP, BOP or whatever and enjoy the results. BTW: I never heard of Castleton Muscatel Broken Pekoe. Anyone ?

Karsten

Thank you for kind reply. Your reply is better than other tea books.(they only say FTGFOP1 is Fine Tippy......., OP is Orange Pekoe...)

I have also never seen Castleton Muscatel TGBOP.

Just kidding, scusi.

Karsten