Makabari sets up replica of 19th century plantation bungalow at Kolkata airport to sell the finest tea

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, MAY 10, 2023 :  Connoisseurs of tea now have a plush new address - a replica of a19th century plantation bungalow- in the heart of the Kolkata Airport. Makaibari - the world's oldest tea factory - dating back to1859 - has unveiled its first retail store inside a major metropolitan airport, spread over. 20 square metres, at the domestic terminal.

It is a replica of an old tea estate bungalow that opened its doors on May 1.Here, chequered black and white floors, arches symbolic of the colonial balconies, dark wood panelled cabinets, old lithographic wallpapers, wood ceilings, furniture representing those in old Kolkata homes interspersed by memorabilia from the Estate like century old guest books, hand made sketches of the Estate and rare archival material truly established Makaibari's rich history. 

The store at present houses 24 varieties of the world's most revered brews - including Makaibari's Rare Silver Tips Imperial - a variety of handcrafted tea that sold for are cord $1850 (around Rs 1.11lakh) a kilo a few years ago, becoming the most expensive tea ever.

It also houses  Luxmi Estates' vast portfolio of the world's finest tea grown across its plantations in Assam, Tripura and Rwanda. 

They include all certified organic infusions like Citrus Sky(Lemongrass Ginger Green Tea),Hibis-Kiss Black (Hibiscus Berry Black Tea), Indian Passion(Mango passion Fruit Green Tea),Lavender Valley (Lavender Rose White Tea), Midnight Bloom(Jasmine Green Tea), Valerian Dream (Valerian Root and Chamomile Herbal) and Summer Solstice Muscatel among others. 

MD Luxmi Tea Estates Rudra Chatterjee says: "Though we have a store in the Bagdogra airport, this is our first major retail tea store in a metropolitan airport. We intend to open similar stores in locations where people really enjoy the finest tea. The decision will not be based on revenue but on taste. 

While visualising how I wanted the store to be, I wanted people to get a small taste of a tea bungalow living room in the middle of a bustling airport. Now that it is up and running, it truly reminds me of how an estate manager would entertain guests at his Burra bungalow -warm, intimate yet spectacular". 

An immediate attraction of the month is however Makaibari's Coronation Blend -produced and blended specially to mark the historic day when the former Prince of Wales Charles III became King of the United Kingdom last Saturday. 

 This limited edition tea - prepared from four special clones of Makaibari - with a subtle, satiny floral flavour - will only be available through the Coronation Month of May. Chatterjee says only 1000 boxes of this limited edition brew - totalling to 100 KG of quantity will be available this month. 

King Charles' love for Darjeeling Tea is no secret - a habit he takes after his late Mother - Queen Elizabeth II -Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who sat on the throne for 70 years. Prince Charles who became King on the death of his mother on Sept 8, 2022 has been a connoisseur of the tea from Makaibari and sent a letter appreciating it on May 26, 2017.

Chatterjee says: "He loves Darjeeling and expressed his concern for climate change There have been other occasions of royal favour. The Emperor of Japan and the Queen of England were for long connoisseurs of Makaibari tea.

Courtesy & Source- Echo of India