SIMAO ASSAMICA NEEDLE Black Tea - 2 oz
A mouthwatering black tea made entirely of "Daye" or Camellia var. assamica leaf, the ancestor of modern day Camellia sinensis var. sinensis that is grown all over the world. This large leaf variety grows on old arbor trees many decades old, lending their characteristic "Cha Qi" or "tea energy" to the cup. The Daye varietal is used exclusively in making Yunnan's famous puerh tea, but this time was crafted into a robust black tea that is thoroughly enjoyable and gets more expressive with some age.
Dry leaf presents aromas of brown sugar, malted biscuit, and chocolate that translate into the tea soup with added complex, savory mineral and picholine olive notes. Notice the stout, bittersweet tannins that will transform during aging for several years. Gong fu this tea to enjoy the layers of nuance it has to give. One of our daily drinkers that feels like a reward in every cup!
Simao Prefecture, Yunnan, China. Spring First Flush