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Not All Black Tea Is CTC.

Orthodox processing is the older way. The slower way. And for those who know it, the only way.

Riverbeki Assam Orthodox Black Tea — Whole Leaf, Second Flush, Golden Tips

CTC (Cut-Tear-Curl) was designed for speed and consistency. It produces the strong, uniform tea that works well in chai — and Riverbeki's CTC range does that exceptionally. But orthodox black tea is different in every meaningful way. The leaves are rolled, not shredded. The process is slower, more careful, and designed to preserve the integrity of the whole leaf. The result is a cup that has more layers, more character, and a finish that lingers in ways that machine-cut tea simply cannot match.

Riverbeki's Assam Orthodox Black Tea is second-flush — harvested at peak season from high-grown Assam gardens. The Golden Tippy grade means a high proportion of golden-tipped buds in the blend: younger, more tender growth that contributes a natural sweetness, a warm malt, and a depth that rewards slow sipping. FTGFOP-1 grade. Assam at its most considered.

What Is FTGFOP-1?

FTGFOP-1 stands for Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe — First Grade. It is one of the highest grades in the orthodox tea classification system, indicating an abundance of fine golden tips (the unopened bud of the tea plant), full whole leaves, and exceptional quality in the cup. The grade is not a marketing term — it is a grading standard applied at the source.

Two Orthodox Expressions

Riverbeki Golden Tippy Black Tea — The active, flagship expression. FTGFOP-1, second flush, with an abundance of golden tips. Bold and malty with a natural sweetness from the tips, a deep amber liquor, and a clean, warm finish. Exceptional as a standalone brew, no milk required — but equally at home with a splash if that is your preference.

Riverbeki Assam Orthodox Whole Leaf — The whole leaf experience. Pure rolled leaf, processing preserved, origin intact. For those who want the Assam character in its most traditional form.

FTGFOP-1 Grade — One of the highest orthodox grades, indicating abundant golden tips, whole leaves, and premium quality.
Second Flush Assam — Peak-season harvest from high-grown Assam gardens: the boldest, most complex window of the year.
Orthodox Whole Leaf Processing — Rolled, not cut. The leaf stays intact, the flavour stays complete.
Natural Golden Tips — High concentration of the unopened bud, contributing sweetness, softness, and depth.
Single-Origin, No Additives — Pure Assam orthodox tea. Nothing blended in, nothing added.