Description
Our Kenyan loose leaf black tea from Kosabei Estate is a beautifully crafted TGFOP with twisted golden-tipped leaves, bright amber liquor and a smooth, rewarding depth. Grown in the Nandi Highlands and made using traditional orthodox methods, it offers malty richness, subtle currant notes and a refined earthy finish — elegant enough to enjoy black, yet full enough to take milk beautifully.
Kenyan Loose Leaf Black Tea from Kosabei Estate
Kosabei Estate lies in Kenya’s Nandi Highlands, where high elevation, cool temperatures and red volcanic soils help produce teas with brightness, structure and distinctive character.
This TGFOP tea is a rare orthodox-style Kenyan black tea, made with a more traditional leaf-processing approach than the CTC teas commonly associated with East Africa. The result is a whole-leaf cup with greater nuance, elegance and visual appeal.
Golden-Tipped TGFOP Leaf with Orthodox Character
The dry leaf is carefully twisted and visibly tipped with gold, signalling both fine plucking and considered manufacture. TGFOP, or Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, is a grade associated with attractive leaf style and a more refined black tea profile.
In Kosabei, that quality shows clearly. The tea is bright and lively, but never blunt, with a polished structure that makes each cup feel especially well composed.
Malty, Smooth and Gently Fruited
In the cup, this Kenyan loose leaf black tea brews to a clear bright amber infusion with warm copper tones. The flavour has a malty core, supported by notes of currant, soft earthiness and a clean, elegant finish.
A lively astringency adds definition rather than harshness, giving the tea a satisfying lift and making it especially rewarding for those who appreciate black tea with real character.
At a Glance
-
Origin: Kosabei Estate, Nandi Highlands, Kenya
-
Tea type: Single-estate loose leaf black tea
-
Grade: TGFOP
-
Leaf style: Twisted, golden-tipped orthodox leaf
-
Liquor: Bright amber with copper warmth
-
Flavour: Malty, currant-like, gently earthy and smooth
Excellent Black or with Milk
Kosabei TGFOP is an excellent self-drinker. Served black, the currant note, bright liquor and refined finish come through particularly well, making it a rewarding tea for slow appreciation.
It also takes milk comfortably. A generous splash rounds the malt and softens the brisker edges without masking the character of the leaf.
How to Brew Kenya Kosabei Estate TGFOP
Use freshly boiled water cooled very briefly to around 95°C. Add one rounded teaspoon per cup and steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
For a lighter, more elegant cup to drink black, try 2½ to 3 minutes. For a fuller brew that will take milk well, aim for the full 4 minutes.
Ingredients
Black tea from Kosabei Estate, Nandi Highlands, Kenya.
About High Teas London
High Teas London has been sourcing distinctive loose leaf teas and infusions since 2008. With over 350 different teas in our collection, we are proud to offer teas with genuine provenance and individuality, including rare orthodox African black teas such as Kenya Kosabei Estate TGFOP.
