Tongmu Guan Wild Black Tea

Tongmu Guan (桐木关) stands as the birthplace of the world's first black tea. This remote, high-altitude valley is shrouded in mist, nourished by pristine springs, and surrounded by ancient forests. At an elevation of over 1,000 metres, our wild tea trees grow untended and unpruned.

Unlike plantation teas, these genuinely wild tea plants are scattered across steep slopes and hidden groves. They have never been shaped or fertilised by human hands. Their roots reach deep into the rocky, mineral-rich soil, absorbing the essence of the mountain. Each spring, only the tenderest buds and leaves are hand-picked by local tea farmers who have inherited the knowledge of these forests.

Craftsmanship: Our wild black tea is crafted using time-honored traditional methods. After careful withering, rolling, and fermentation, the leaves undergo the signature light pinewood smoking technique of Tongmu Guan. This imparts a whisper of smoky pine resin without overwhelming the tea's natural complexity. The result is a masterful balance between wild mountain character and gentle refinement.

Appearance: The dry leaves are long, robust, and slightly twisted, displaying a deep, lustrous black with subtle hints of gold.

Aroma: Dried longan, wild honey, and a faint smokiness.

Tasting notes: The tea brews into a bright, amber-golden liquor. The first sip offers the mellow sweetness of sun-dried fruit, a warm mineral undertone, and a delicate campfire note that leaves a long, sweet finish.

Texture: Smooth, full-bodied, and remarkably clean.

Brewing Suggestion:

Water Temperature: 90–95°C

Leaf Amount: 5g per 150 ml

Steeping Time: 3–5 minutes for the first infusion; subsequent infusions can be extended gradually