Few enthusiasts know that the Thowra Garden takes its name from the Assamese word meaning "the mare," a reminder that it was once the royal stud farm of the Ahom kings. Thus, Thowra's history subtly connects the kingdom's equestrian heritage with the vibrant birth of the tea trade in the Brahmaputra Valley, inviting visitors on a journey through time.
Each morning, the garden comes alive around the pickers, nearly 70% of whom are women. These skilled workers are much more than just laborers: they embody the memory and excellence of the place, passing down their harvesting secrets from mother to daughter, combining technical expertise with a generous touch. Their laughter and songs mark the seasons, giving Thowra a profoundly human energy.
The GFOP from the Thowra garden, like most orthodox Assam teas, is primarily harvested and processed during the "Second Flush," which extends from late May to late June, just before the most intense monsoon season. This period yields more mature leaves, concentrated in aromas and flavors, resulting in robust and distinctive teas with a beautiful proportion of golden tips. Some supplementary harvests may also take place at the very beginning of the monsoon, but Betjeman and Barton's signature lots are traditionally selected for their intense profile and balance, achieved just before excess moisture dilutes the sap in the leaves.
It is for this unique combination of living history, tradition passed down by dedicated women, and aromatic purity that we chose Thowra from among the great gardens of Assam. Each batch we select embodies the authenticity of a rare terroir and the passion of a close-knit community: this is what gives this vintage its depth and soul. By sharing this tea, Betjeman and Barton invites you to discover much more than a cup of Assam, but an entire heritage, vibrant with humanity and excellence.
