The latest version (12.24 / 01.25) version of Lau's super fragrant, ancient tree Dragon Claws. Trà Móng Rồng (Dragon Claw Tea) is known as 芽苞 (Ya Bao, literally translated as 'bud') in Yunnan. Needless to say, the Vietnamese get the award for the cooler name. Mad scientist Lầu has been experimenting with significantly slower drying of white tea; this resulted in significantly darker tea buds that somehow burst with notes of fresh herbs, flowers and fruit. Geoff Sugiyama (our tea bar manager) spent some time last year in Ha Giang with Lầu learning about the process. Experience: this tea reminds us of a crisp, spring morning in the highlands of Northwest Vietnam. Origin: Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang, Vietnam GPS: 22.8°N 104.8°E Harvest: December 2024 / January 2025 Tree type: wild, old Bud type: green & purple, sweet Tea Artisan: Lầu TV (pronounced 'Lo') Lầu was born and raised in the highlands of Ha Giang. Beyond the ancestral tea knowledge of the local Dao people, Lầu learned tea handcrafting skills from his uncle, who lived and worked both in Yunnan and Fujian. Rooted in tradition but not bound by it, Lầu strives to create tea that will fascinate the drinker. One of those old tea trees. No fancy equipment, simply delicious 'mountain' tea. The next generation: she who enjoys delicious tea, made at home. Brewing Suggestions: pour 200ml of boiling water on 2g (about 1 flat spoonful); the first steep will take about 3 minutes. Subsequent steeps will be ready in 30 seconds.
