Introducing the first tea from 2022 Manipur Spring harvest, the 2022 Spring Wild White Tea!
 
This tea is the most accurate representation of Manipur old tree forest. It encapsulates the spring vigour and freshness like no other. The dormant period from November to March every year makes sure that the leaves are in full bloom during the first harvest, which is when we pluck this tea. The main characteristic of this particular tea remains the same and we consciously choose to not change anything about its processing year after year. During the past three years of making, storing, drinking and loving this tea, we have realised that this is an incredible candidate for long term ageing and we would encourage you to embark on that experiment for sure!
 
The defining feature of this tea is the silky thick liquor and a good balance of floral and ripe fruits with a long aftertaste. This one is no different, the dry leaf has a floral aroma resembling white rose and lilies. The wet leaf has a slightly different aroma this year, along with fruity notes dominated by oranges, it also has a presence of earthy aroma, giving a forest like vibe to it. The same translates into the liquor with notes of petrichor, honey, oranges and white flowers in the first infusion. The second one is more dominant in fruity character and is also sweeter, mostly because the leaves have opened up and the infusion is much deeper. The fruity part is complex with notes of ripe pears, oranges and guava. The third infusion is almost similar, with a bit more floral attributes, this could definitely change according to your ratio, brew times and temperatures. Unlike the previous years, there is no spicy note in this tea, instead the fourth infusion brings interesting woody and earthy flavours to the tea. There are hints of white flower and lemongrass in the fifth infusion, which also has sweet caramel like notes. It has been a predictable characteristic for a lot of Manipur wild teas, on infusion fifth to seventh, there is a burst of caramel and honey like sweetness which stays till the last infusion and the dance of flavours continue alongside it, the next few infusions give you the same glimpse and make for a sweet and refreshing session of old tree wild white tea!
 
NOTE : This tea has become a little smoky with time. We have noticed that some Manipur teas develop incense and smoke notes after a while in storage, can happen with your packets as well.
 
Appearance : Yellow
Taste : White rose, white lily, orange, lemongrass, honey, pear, guava, woody, earthy, caramel
Steeping Time : 3 minutes western style, 25 seconds gongfu style adding 5 seconds every subsequent steep
Leaf to water ratio :  0.6 gram per 100ml for western style, 3.5 grams per 100ml for gongfu style
Recommended Steeping Temperature : 85°C
Recommended Steeping Method : Works great both ways, noticeably good in small porcelain teapots
Harvest Season : 2022 Spring