The First Estate Assam Fine Black Leaf Tea. A distinctive flavorful, full bodied tea. By 1788, The East India Company realized that tea plantations needed to be established in India to break the Chinese monopoly of this vital trade. Tea Plants were introduced to the Calcutta Botanical Gardens and in 1834 the company discovered that "the tea shrub is beyond all doubt indigenous to Upper Assam" The East India Company shipped the first twelve tea chests to London in 1838. The name of this superb Assam blend recalls those pioneering efforts, which led to the phenomenal growth of the tea industry in India.4/5 in strength.Founded by Royal Charter in 1600 by Queen Elizabeth I, The East India Company introduced tea to Britain. Today, The Company's fine teas reflect Jonathan Swift's famous remark, "Tea is water bewitched"By 1788, The East India Company realised that tea plantations needed to be established in India to break the Chinese monopoly of this vital trade. Tea plants were introduced to the Calcutta Botanical Gardens and in 1834 the company discovered that "the tea shrub is beyond all doubt indigenous to Upper Assam."The East India Company shipped the first twelve tea chests to London in 1838. The name of this superb Assam blend recalls those pioneering efforts, which led to the phenomenal growth of the tea industry in India.A rich, full-bodied black teaThe East India Company are proud to be part of the Ethical Tea Partnership