1980s Yunnan Hong Cha (150g)
Black Tea by The Essence of Tea
This tea was produced in the late 80’s, intended for export to Russia. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, a batch of this tea was left in Kunming Tea Factory, unable to be exported.
An ex worker from the factory bought this batch and has had it sitting quietly in his shop for many years, unappreciated and eclipsed by the interest in Puerh in recent years.
I discovered this tea whilst in Kunming and was struck by the pure clean taste of the leaves, even after all this time, having been stored in double-lidded tins. It is the chaqi and endurance of the leaves that give it’s age away though.
With most hongcha, I tend to get bored after a few infusions, but this one continues to delight. A special find I think.
