SANTOSA (Indonesia)

Although most people associate tea production with China, India, or Sri Lanka, quality tea has also been grown in Indonesia for at least 200 years. A former Dutch colony, Indonesia is actually comprised of a chain of thousands of islands, some large, some miniscule. The bulk of tea is grown on two of the largest of these islands, Java and Sumatra. This particular tea is from the famous Santosa estate on the island of Java. (An island also famous for its coffee. Cup of Java sound familiar?) Tea production on Java began with employees of the Dutch East India Co. who introduced clonal bushes from China. Over the next few hundred years, the industry grew and Java became a large player in the European markets. This unfortunately all changed with the onset of WWII.

Straddling the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, Indonesia saw a lot of action during the war, which left the country's tea industry in tatters. Most of the country's tea plantations had been destroyed - their factories demolished and their tea bushes reverted to a wild state. After the war, as Indonesians began picking up the pieces of their ruined country, tea growers began the task of rebuilding their industry. By about the mid-80's Indonesian teas were making their way back onto the international markets. By the mid-90's, Indonesia had 128,000 hectares under tea, and with increased efforts to boost the international profile of the country's tea offerings, that number is continuing to rise. (Interesting note: The Indonesian tea auction, held every Wednesday in Jakarta, is the tea world's only auction not conducted in English.)

These days, Santosa estate is at the forefront of Indonesian production. In fact, while many Indonesian teas are still sold for blending purposes, teas from Santosa are prized the world over as unique self-drinkers - this BOPS is a wonderful example. The tea is only produced in August, Java's peak growing season. The cup is light and malty, with subtle floral undertones typical of good Indonesian teas. Although you may choose to enjoy this tea British style with milk and sugar, give it a try Java style - brewed double strength with double sugar! It's like a visit to the islands in every cup!