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The Lockhart Noir - A Symphony of Darkness and Light
The Lockhart Noir - A Symphony of Darkness and Light

Imagine a cup of tea that encapsulates the mystique of twilight, where the vibrant hues of day surrender to the velvety embrace of night. The Lockhart Noir, a premium orthodox black tea from the renowned Lockhart estate of Harrison Malayalam Limited, offers just such an experience.

Nestled high in the mist-shrouded hills of Munnar, 6,000 feet above sea level, Lockhart estate is a place where tea is cultivated in harmony with nature, amidst the breathtaking panorama of the Anamudi peak and the verdant slopes of the Eravikulam National Park. The cool mountain air, the profound silence, and the dramatic interplay of temperatures create a unique terroir that infuses every leaf with unparalleled character.

A Tapestry Woven in Time
A Tapestry Woven in Time

Lockhart's story unfolds like a captivating tale, beginning in 1879 with the arrival of two adventurous barons, John and George Otto Von Rosenberg. Their initial pursuit of cinchona gave way to the allure of tea, and Lockhart was transformed into a thriving tea plantation.

In 1909, the estate passed into the hands of Harrisons Malayalam, marking a new chapter in its history. A magnificent tea factory was built, seamlessly blending modern technology with time-honored traditions. Today, Lockhart stands as a living testament to its rich past, its ancient tea bushes whispering secrets of bygone eras, and the Lockhart Tea Museum offering a glimpse into its fascinating journey.

A Dance of Subtle Nuances
A Dance of Subtle Nuances

The Lockhart Noir is a masterpiece born from this extraordinary heritage. Its carefully selected GFOP leaves, nurtured in the misty highlands and expertly crafted, unfurl in your cup to reveal a liquor of captivating complexity.

The deep amber hues shimmer with golden highlights, while the aroma tantalizes with hints of dark chocolate, ripe fruit, and a whisper of spice. Each sip is a symphony of flavors, a delicate balance of strength and subtlety. The briskness invigorates, the maltiness comforts, and the lingering sweetness leaves a sense of serenity.

The Lockhart Noir is an invitation to savor the moment, to appreciate the artistry of nature and the legacy of generations. It is a tea that transcends the ordinary, offering a taste of the extraordinary.

Quality Revealed: Savoring the Nuances of The Lockhart Noir

At Tea Stories, transparency and quality define our essence. We're delighted to unveil the scientific parameters that shape The Lockhart Noir, These insights offer a deeper understanding of this exceptional tea, with its smooth, mellow character and subtle fruity notes, nurtured in the pristine wilderness of Munnar since 1879.

Total Ash

4.47%

Total ash is the inorganic residue remaining after tea leaves are burned, indicating the mineral content. This measures the total mineral content present in the tea.

Why it matters ?

  • Minerals contribute to the complex flavor profile of black teas, influencing the briskness, body, and subtle notes.
  • The FSSAI prescribes a limit of 4.0 to 8.0% for total ash in tea.
  • The Lockhart Noir falls well within this range, meeting quality standards for black tea.

Water Soluble Ash

64.70%

Water soluble ash refers to the portion of the total ash that dissolves in water. This indicates the presence of minerals like Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and phosphates and others.

Why it matters ?

  • These soluble minerals contribute to the briskness and lively character of black tea.
  • A higher percentage of water-soluble ash generally indicates a higher quality black tea.
  • The Lockhart Noir exceeds the FSSAI minimum limit of 45%, signifying its superior quality.

Water Soluble Extract

37.10%

Water soluble extract is the percentage of soluble substances extracted from tea leaves when infused with hot water. This measures the substances like caffeine, catechins, theaflavins and others that contribute to its flavor, strength, and health benefits.

Why it matters ?

  • A higher water-soluble extract generally indicates a richer and more flavorful tea.
  • The FSSAI recommends a minimum of 32% for black tea.
  • The Lockhart Noir has a high water-soluble extract, signifying its superior quality and rich flavor.

Crude Fiber

11.90%

Crude fiber in tea represents the indigestible part of the tea leaf, mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It plays a crucial role in determining the tea's quality and mouthfeel.

Why it matters ?

  • Lower crude fiber content generally suggests younger and tender tea leaves were used for tea making.
  • The FSSAI sets a limit for crude fiber in white tea at not more than 16.5%.
  • The Lockhart Noir, with 11.90% crude fiber, comfortably meets this standard.

Grade

Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (GFOP)

GFOP tea is a higher-grade Pekoe. It contains a higher proportion of golden tips, which infuse the tea with a rich, velvety texture and a nuanced flavor profile.

Why it matters ?

  • GFOP is a higher grade of Pekoe, signifying a superior selection of leaves with a higher proportion of golden tips.
  • The abundance of golden tips infuses the tea with a rich, velvety texture and a more nuanced, complex flavor profile.
  • GFOP teas tea that is often described as bold, full-bodied, and highly aromatic, prized for its complexity and depth.

The Purity of The Lockhart Noir

At Tea Stories, your well-being is at the heart of everything we do. We go above and beyond to ensure our teas are not only delicious but also safe for you to enjoy. These safety parameters highlight our rigorous testing and commitment to exceeding industry standards.

Iron Filling

20 mg/Kg

Iron filings are tiny metal fragments that can contaminate tea during processing. This measures the amount of these metal fragments in the tea, which can affect its quality.

Why it matters ?

  • Iron filings are extraneous to the tea leaf and can negatively impact the taste.
  • The FSSAI prescribes a limit of 250mg/Kg for iron filings in tea.
  • The Lockhart Noir has a very low level, indicating high quality and purity.

Glyphosate

No (Not Detected)

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide (weed killer) in agriculture. Residues of glyphosate can sometimes be found on crops if not used responsibly.

Why it matters ?

  • Glyphosate is not typically used in tea cultivation, and its presence can indicate unintended contamination.
  • The FSSAI sets strict limits for glyphosate residue in tea (not more than 1 mg/Kg).
  • The Lochart Noir having no detectable glyphosate reflects our commitment to pure, high-quality tea.

Heavy Metals

Well Below FSSAI Limits

Heavy metal are naturally occurring elements that can be present in trace amounts in soil and water. They can contaminate tea through soil, water, or air pollution during cultivation or processing.

Why it matters ?

  • Heavy metals can accumulate in tea plants, so monitoring their levels is crucial for safety.  
  • The FSSAI sets strict limits for each heavy metal in tea to ensure consumer health.
  • The Lockhart Noir has been tested and found to have levels far below these limits, ensuring it is safe and pure.

Pesticides & Fertilizers

Safety Guaranteed

Pesticides are substances used to protect crops from pests like insects and fungi, while fertilizers provide essential nutrients for plant growth while using them responsibly.

Why it matters ?

  • Pesticide residues can pose health risks, and excessive fertilizers can affect tea quality.
  • The FSSAI sets strict limits for various pesticides and fertilizers in tea.  
  • The Lockhart Noir has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee it meets these safety standards.

Hygiene

Exceeds Industry Standards

Maintaining high levels of hygiene is crucial throughout the entire tea production process, from field to cup.

Why it matters ?

  • Strict hygiene protocols are followed at every stage, from harvest to packaging, to prevent contamination.
  • Employees are trained in food safety and hygiene best practices.
  • The Lockhart Noir exceeds industry standards to ensure a safe and high-quality tea.

Transparency in Every Leaf: See Our Test Results

Tea Stories believes in complete transparency. Explore the original lab reports below, demonstrating the exceptional quality, purity, and safety of our tea. Discover the meticulous care in every cup, with all results as per FSSAI norms and also get detailed nutritional information

Product Safety Test Report 1
Product Safety Test Report 2
Product Safety Test Report 3

Sip Sustainably! A Classic Black Tea, Ethically Crafted.

The Lockhart Estate, a name synonymous with exceptional teas, provides the leaves for our Lockhart Noir, a classic orthodox black tea. Like all Tea Stories offerings, this tea comes from farms that are certified sustainable by leading organizations like the Rainforest Alliance, Trustea, and the Tea Board of India. This means your tea is grown with a deep respect for the environment, from protecting biodiversity to ensuring fair wages for workers. The Lockhart Estate's commitment to sustainability ensures that the deep, satisfying flavor of Lockhart Noir is a reflection of both quality and care for the planet.

Assured Certificates
Assured Certificates

The Lockhart Noir Legacy: Crafting a Classic Black Tea

From the renowned Lockhart Estate, our Lockhart Noir is a classic Orthodox Black Tea crafted with unwavering dedication. Discover the meticulous process that unlocks the deep flavors and aromatic richness within each leaf.

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A Delicate Harvest

At dawn, skilled hands carefully pluck only the finest shoots from the tea bushes - the tender bud and two youngest leaves - setting the stage for Lockhart Noir's exceptional quality.

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Gentle Withering

The freshly harvested leaves are thinly spread on withering beds, allowing them to soften and lose moisture, developing subtle flavor precursors.

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The Roll of Tradition

Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, the withered leaves are carefully rolled, bruising them just enough to release their flavorful essential oils.

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The Magic of Oxidation

The rolled leaves are laid out in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment, where they undergo full oxidation, developing Lockhart Noir's characteristic dark hue and full-bodied flavor.

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Final Drying

The oxidation is stopped by gently drying the leaves with warm air, preserving the tea's rich aroma and ensuring a deeply satisfying cup.

Lockhart Noir: Unwind and Revitalize with Every Cup

From the renowned Lockhart Estate, our Noir Orthodox Black Tea is a testament to the art of traditional tea making. Each leaf unfurls to release a deep, rich infusion packed with antioxidants and beneficial compounds, offering a moment of tranquility and a boost to well-being. Disclaimer: The health benefits mentioned below are based on general research findings from sources such as the Tea Board of India and other published studies on black tea. This information is not intended as medical advice, and individual results may vary. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

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Promote Heart Health

Embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle with Lockhart Noir. This black tea is rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants linked to improved cardiovascular function and known for reducing bad cholesterol.

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Support Gut Wellness

Foster a healthy gut with every cup of Lockhart Noir. The polyphenols in black tea promote beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion and contributing to a balanced gut microbiome.

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Sharpen Mental Clarity

Experience a gentle lift and enhanced focus with Lockhart Noir. The balanced combination of caffeine and L-theanine in black tea provides sustained energy and mental alertness without the coffee jitters.

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Boost Your Immunity

Strengthen your body's natural defenses with the antioxidants packed into Lockhart Noir. These compounds help reinforce your immune system and offer protection against infections.

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Ease Stress Naturally

Find your moment of calm with Lockhart Noir. While the caffeine offers a gentle pick-me-up, the L-theanine helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation, fostering a sense of well-being.

Steeping Instruction
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    Water : Use 150ml of fresh, filtered water per serving.

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    Heat : Heat the water to 100°C (212°F) - a rolling boil.

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    Tea : Measure 1.25 teaspoons (approximately 2 grams) of Lockhart Noir tea leaves. Using an infuser is recommended.

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    Pour : Gently pour the boiling water over the tea leaves in your infuser.

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    Steep : Steep for 3-4 minutes to allow the full depth of flavor to develop.

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    Enjoy : Savor the rich, complex character of Lockhart Noir. Best enjoyed without adding milk or sugar.

  • The Lockhart Noir Experience: Where Richness Meets Refinement

    Indulge in the rich and complex character of our Lockhart Noir Orthodox Black Tea. From the esteemed Lockhart Estate, this tea promises a captivating sensory experience, revealing layers of nuanced flavors and a robust aroma.

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    Aroma

    Inhale deeply. Notice the inviting aroma, a blend of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and a hint of molasses. This deep, rich scent is characteristic of a well-crafted black tea.

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    Flavor

    Savor the first sip. Experience the full-bodied, smooth flavor with notes of dark cocoa, caramel, and a touch of spice. A pleasant, lingering sweetness balances the tea's robust character.

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    Taste

    The Lockhart Noir offers a rounded, smooth texture and a lingering finish with notes of cocoa and a subtle sweetness.

  • Default Taste Notes

    FAQs

    Have a question ? We are here to help.

    Yes. Worldwide shipping is already included in the price. We use DHL express with 3 days delivery time.

    When we have received your order, you will automatically receive an e-mail confirming your order. Orders made before 2 PM (CET) will be picked, packed and shipped the same day. Delivery time is usually 2-4 working days with DHL Express.

    If you want to change a product into another model, strap color etc., please contact us so we are able to reserve the new item in our stock immediately. You are always entitled to an exchange or refund within 30 days after you have received your package, as long as the item has not been used.