Called “Hà Giang High Mountain Forest Black” in 2022,  we’ve been trying to simplify our naming system...
 
Very happy to have this tea back for 2024! Last year (2023), the raw material used to make this tea was bought up quickly by Chinese buyers and we unfortunately weren’t able to have this tea in stock. 
 
This is a black tea from the upper slopes of the Hoàng Su Phì area of Hà Giang. The ancient trees used to make this tea are growing at an elevation of 2000m+ and the leaves have a long thin shape and dark green color with some taking on red and purple hues. 
 
The tea trees used to make this tea are of a non-Sinensis, Camellia varietal. The research is inconclusive as to which one it actually is.  
 
The fragrance of this tea immediately fills the air.
 
The flavor is strong and complex. I'd say it's a mix of dark chocolate, deep forest and with a lingering sweet-tangy fruit finish. The bit of sourness tastes almost like under ripe berries and pairs really well with the heavy sweetness of this tea. 
 
I like brewing it at 85-95 degrees for shorter and then longer steeps.
 
Layered lasting finish and strong relaxing qi typical of these wild varietal teas. 
 
It’s enjoyable to compare this tea made in a typical air-dried dian hong style with the Lào Cai Secret Forest Black which is a sun-dried tea. Both are made from wild varietals but processed differently.
 
Season: Spring 2024
Picking Standard: 1 bud, 2 leaves
Region: Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang
Elevation: 2000m+