Updated 14 Mar 2023 by derk
Introducing the first tea from 2022 Manipur Spring harvest, the 2022 Spring Wild White Tea!
This tea is the most accurate representation of Manipur old tree forest. It encapsulates the spring vigour and freshness like no other. The dormant period from November to March every year makes sure that the leaves are in full bloom during the first harvest, which is when we pluck this tea. The main characteristic of this particular tea remains the same and we consciously choose to not change anything about its processing year after year. During the past three years of making, storing, drinking and loving this tea, we have realised that this is an incredible candidate for long term ageing and we would encourage you to embark on that experiment for sure!
The defining feature of this tea is the silky thick liquor and a good balance of floral and ripe fruits with a long aftertaste. This one is no different, the dry leaf has a floral aroma resembling white rose and lilies. The wet leaf has a slightly different aroma this year, along with fruity notes dominated by oranges, it also has a presence of earthy aroma, giving a forest like vibe to it. The same translates into the liquor with notes of petrichor, honey, oranges and white flowers in the first infusion. The second one is more dominant in fruity character and is also sweeter, mostly because the leaves have opened up and the infusion is much deeper. The fruity part is complex with notes of ripe pears, oranges and guava. The third infusion is almost similar, with a bit more floral attributes, this could definitely change according to your ratio, brew times and temperatures. Unlike the previous years, there is no spicy note in this tea, instead the fourth infusion brings interesting woody and earthy flavours to the tea. There are hints of white flower and lemongrass in the fifth infusion, which also has sweet caramel like notes. It has been a predictable characteristic for a lot of Manipur wild teas, on infusion fifth to seventh, there is a burst of caramel and honey like sweetness which stays till the last infusion and the dance of flavours continue alongside it, the next few infusions give you the same glimpse and make for a sweet and refreshing session of old tree wild white tea!
Appearance : Yellow
Taste : White rose, white lily, orange, lemongrass, honey, pear, guava, woody, earthy, caramel
Steeping Time : 3 minutes western style, 25 seconds gongfu style adding 5 seconds every subsequent steep
Leaf to water ratio : 0.6 gram per 100ml for western style, 3.5 grams per 100ml for gongfu style
Recommended Steeping Temperature : 85°C
Recommended Steeping Method : Works great both ways, noticeably good in small porcelain teapots
Harvest Season : 2022 Spring
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Updated April 2022 by derk
Introducing 2021 Spring Wild White Tea from Manipur old tree forest, India!
Once again, this tea is the most accurate representation of Manipur old tree region. It encapsulates the spring vigour and freshness like no other. The dormant period from November to March every year makes sure that the leaves are in full bloom during the first harvest, which is when we pluck this tea. The main characteristic of this particular tea remains the same and we consciously choose to not change anything about its processing year after year. During the past three years of making, storing and drinking this tea, we have realised that this is an incredible candidate for long term ageing and we would encourage you to embark on that experiment for sure!
The defining feature of this tea is the silky thick liquor and a good balance of floral and ripe fruits with a hint of spice on the finish. This one is no different, the dry leaf has a floral aroma resembling white rose and lilies. The same aroma intensifies when placed on heated ware. The wet leaf give you a burst of ripe fruit notes like guava which translate well into the first infusion. The floral note is hard to pinpoint although it comes close to white flower perfumes. There is a hint of fresh coriander leaf on the finish. The second infusion is almost the same with an added rosemary note, the fruity part also resembles ripe peaches this time. The third infusion adds a lot more sweetness to the brew with notes of guava and green apple. On the fourth infusion, there is an interesting clove note on the finish. The spicy finish used to be similar to white pepper in previous batches but this year its slightly different and we found that to be a refreshing change, tones down the spicy character but does not eliminate it. On the fifth, we taste a caramel note along with some more floral sweetness. It has been a predictable characteristic of a lot of Manipur wild teas, on infusion fifth to seventh, there is a burst of caramel and honey like sweetness which stays till the last infusion and the dance of flavours continue alongside it, the next few infusions give you the same glimpse and make for a sweet and refreshing session of old tree wild white tea!
Appearance : Yellow
Taste : Rose, lily, ripe guawa, ripe peach, caramel, honey, green apple, fresh coriander leaf, rosemary
Steeping Time : 3 minutes western style, 25 seconds gongfu style adding 5 seconds every subsequent steep
Leaf to water ratio : 0.6 gram per 100ml for western style, 3 grams per 100ml for gongfu style
Recommended Steeping Temperature : 80-85°C
Recommended Steeping Method : Works amazing both ways
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2020 Spring Wild White Tea
Grown in the wilderness of Manipur, this tea from very old plants are mother nature’s gift to us. It has been one of our most awaited teas yet, after the last years harvest sold out way earlier than expected!
The tea starts floral and fruity with hints of fresh coriander leaves and spearmint. The spice notes are soothing and present just on the finish. The fruit notes are reminiscent of litchi, green apples and kiwi. The flowery notes are dominant in yellow flowers with a hint of honeysuckle. There is a hint of sandalwood in the later steeps which blends seamlessly with the flowery character. The liquor coats your mouth and is extremely silky.
Like most of the ancient tree teas we offer from Manipur, the tasting notes dont bring out the whole story and the real magic is in the liquor where all these notes come together to create a symphony of tastes! Brew it any style you like, this tea will make sure you enjoy the taste!
Appearance : Light Yellow
Taste : Honeysuckle, kiwi, sandalwood, litchi, green apple, yellow flowers, spearmint, coriander leaf
Steeping Time : 3 minutes western style, 20 seconds gongfu style adding 10 seconds every subsequent steep
Leaf Quantity: 3 gms per 120 ml for gongfu and 5 grams for 400 ml western style
Recommended Steeping Temperature : 80-85°C
Recommended Steeping Method : Gongfu style
I enjoy when you wax poetic about particular teas, even when I don’t taste all the nuances myself. From your flavour list, this one seems like a winner.
Ditto! You carry us away from the mundane!