Beautiful ancient tree maocha from Y Tý.
 
Y Tý is a beautiful tea area in Lào Cai province right on the border with China. There are two villages that have old tea trees here, one is inhabited by H’Mông people and the other Dao.
 
This tea is from the Dao village. Although only a couple kilometers apart, this area has more rocky soil and more windy, dry days than the H’Mông village. The leaves are also brighter green than the trees in the other area. Tea trees in Y Tý have especially beautiful leaves.
 
This tea area is about a 45 minute walk from the village up through a forest of wild bamboo. The bamboo forest eventually ends and you reach the tea gardens. 
This year our friend did some exploring and found a couple more ancient tea tree gardens growing nearby the gardens where our tea was from last year. These gardens are quite high in elevation for Assamica trees and this tea shows off it's "alpine" character.
 
This tea brews up slowly into a rich golden brew. Heavily sweet with notes of cane sugar and meadow flowers with a light herbal character. Strong mineral note with low bitterness and astringency. Lasting huigan and strong relaxing qi.
 
Great longevity, set aside an hour if possible to fully enjoy this one.
 
I have also had some really nice sessions blending the H'Mông village and Dao village teas together.
 
Season: April 2025
Picking Standard: 1 bud, 2-3 leaves
Region: Y Tý, Lào Cai
Elevation: 1700-1800m