A  strong tea from an area in Lai Châu we started working with just this spring.
 
This area really is an ancient tea tree paradise as you are greeted by some exceptionally big and tall ones upon entering the village.  The tea trees here grow tall and quite naturally without much human intervention. The leaves here have big round leaves and thick stems. The people living here are H'Mông.
 
Big burly leaves and buds brew up into a rich green gold soup. This tea takes it's time to reach it's peak. Give it 2-3 brews and see how powerful it can get. 
 
This tea is intense but balanced with herbal and fruity notes and a wild forest character. Not overly fragrant as the fragrance mostly shows up in the soup itself. Low-medium bitterness and astrigency followed by heavy sweetness. Deep huigan and strong energy. 
 
Great longevity, set aside an hour if possible to fully enjoy this one.
 
Season: April 2025
Picking Standard: 1 bud, 2-3 leaves
Region: Xin Chải/ Tả Lèng, Phong Thổ, Lai Châu
Elevation: 1200-1400m