Naga Khalap (Smoked Aged Bamboo Wild Tea 2016)

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The wild forests of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are inhabited by the Naga tribes. Ancient wild tea trees of assamica variety grow naturally in these forests. The Naga folk climb up these tea trees carefully to pluck the choicest leaves. These leaves are then pan fried and pounded into the hollow of a particular type of bamboo. The bamboo is then sealed and then placed in a makeshift swing over the fireplace. The smoke that arises from the hearth will then naturally smoke the tea in the bamboo. Smoke and age do lead to some oxidation of the tea, and the older the bamboo tea the more coveted it is.

This smoked, aged tea filled bamboo is fondly called Khalap by the locals which in their native language means “tiredness begone”. The hearth of a Naga household is always burning and you will usually find a boiling tea kettle over it.

This ancient practice of making khalap tea is a dying art. We are hoping direct sourcing to avoid imitations and paying over fair trade prices will keep these khalap teas and the beautiful stories behind them alive. This heritage tea is very unique, difficult to find and definitely a limited edition.

Traditionally this tea is boiled by the Naga tribes in a kettle over a fire, but we prefer steeping it via gongfu style. On steeping the tea has an amber color like honey, with a mineral texture, good mouthfeel and medium astringency. Aromas and flavors of a roaring campfire greet you with the first few sips. Intermingled with the smoky notes are earthy notes of manure and hay, camphor and some hidden fruity sweetness.