Goodfriend № 16 (Black Tea)

Facts

Grown at an altitude of 600 – 700 meters in the wild, rocky mountains of Hsinchu, Taiwan, these Assam tea bushes have been left untended for over 60 years. With their robust, naturally-grown structure, these trees reach human height and thrive in a pristine, untamed environment. The Assam varietal, introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era from India, is now a rare treasure, cultivated in limited regions such as Yuchi in Nantou, Sanxia in Taipei, and select areas in Hsinchu.

Source

Handcrafted by an elder passionate about nature, this tea is made from old tea trees found near his home in undeveloped forests. Each step of production — from hand-plucking to careful processing — is done manually, preserving the essence of the natural environment. The resulting tea is delicate, smooth, and imbued with a nurturing energy. Every batch is produced in extremely limited quantities only.

Flavor Profile

This wild-farmed Assam tea is characterized by its bold and assertive nature. The aroma is rich and layered: caramel sweetness in the forefront, transitioning to woody notes and culminating in the deep essence of old tea trees and a subtle mineral resonance. Its flavor profile is exceptionally balanced, with a full-bodied liquor that carries the purity and vibrance of its natural origins. Drinking this tea evokes a connection to the land, delivering clean, nourishing energy to the body.

Drinking Suggestion

This Assam black tea, with its large-leaf varietal, delivers a power and intensity unmatched by small-leaf teas. It’s perfect for moments when your body and mind need revitalization or grounding. Ideal for individual introspection or sharing among close friends, it provides immediate inner clarity and nourishment.

Gongfu Style

Use 2.5 – 3 g of tea leaves with 100 ml of water at 95 – 100° C. Steep for 25 – 30 seconds on the first infusion, increasing by 10 seconds for subsequent brews.

Western Style

Use 3 g of tea leaves with 500 ml of water and steep for 3 – 5 minutes.

Why We Share This Tea

This Assam tea is among the most untamed and naturally grown teas I’ve encountered. Its wild essence and artisanal refinement create a depth and boldness that stand apart from conventional Assam teas. Sipping it feels like embracing the profound strength of the tea tree itself — a deeply grounding and tranquil experience, akin to diving into a calm ocean of stability and comfort.

Beyond this tea, we offer three additional handcrafted black teas from the same artisan, each showcasing unique varietals, flavors, and craftsmanship: Red Wild № 17, Mountain Echo № 18, Healing Glow № 19. Every tea promises an equally enriching journey of exploration and appreciation.

Key Information at a Glance

Cultivar • Assam

Type • black tea

Origin • Hsinchu, Taiwan

Elevation • 650 m

Farming Method • wild-farmed

Harvest • spring 2024, hand-picked

Oxidation • heavy

Roasting • none