A strip style oolong produced from old/ ancient Shan Assamica varietal trees growing in the Hoàng Su Phì area of Hà Giang in Autumn of 2022.
 
The tea maker has exclusive rights to harvest and manage this tea garden. They use a sustainable low volume production strategy with minimal human intervention to ensure top quality tea year after year.
 
This is a unique tea. Assamica oolongs are typically much harsher than their Sinensis counterparts so processing and storage play a major role in the production of this tea. If you've tried the 2020 version of this tea you'll surely notice how different the 2022 version looks and tastes. 
 
The producer decided to go with a lighter oxidation and drying temperature in order to preserve more of the natural essence of this tea. They also mentioned that they think that this lighter overall processing method requires less of a storage period before the tea starts to come into its prime. 
 
The flavor is complex. I pick up notes of savory warming spices with a peppery floral fragrance and a bit of green freshness. There are notes of medium oxidized oolong, Oriental Beauty and Dian Hong. Thick sweetness with a medium-thick body depending on how strong you brew it. It has this softening effect that spreads and finishes with a bit of a tannic bite.
 
Trying the 2022 and 2020 versions side by side can result in some really interesting comparisons!
 
I like brewing it at 90-100 degrees for shorter and then longer steeps.
 
Independent review of this tea
 
Season: Autumn 2022
Picking Standard: 1 bud, 2-3 leaves
Region: Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang
Elevation: 1200m