Black Gold

Produced on a small, organic farm high in the mountains—at around 4750 feet elevation—this Taiwanese black tea is unlike any others we’ve tried. Wiry, well rolled leaves unleash enticing aromas of toasted coconut when placed in a hot vessel; after brewing, notes of cocoa powder and a wisp of wintergreen rise above the luminescent amber infusion. The sweet flavor is both bright and deep, reminiscent of fresh baked goods and stone fruit, with an incredibly smooth texture and biscuity finish. Natural farming methods and sustainable, soil-focused practices are at the heart of this producer’s operations, which also make our Spring Fortune oolong. He relies on the growth of native plants and microorganisms among the cultivated tea bushes to nourish the plants’ environment, and the care taken with the leaves at each step of processing is evident in the tea’s distinctive fragrance and lingering silkiness on the palate. Infuse many times to savor this unusual find. Country: TaiwanRegion: TaoyuanTasting Notes: toasted cocoa, plum jam, bread puddingHarvest Season: Spring 2024 2 oz -- 210º F 3-4 grams, 3 minute steep ⅓ full, 30 second-1 minute steep