Warm Haze № 22 (Black Tea)

Facts

This charcoal-roasted black tea is made from wild tea trees in Hsinchu, discovered after eight years of natural growth in an untamed forest. Using the Qingxin Oolong cultivar, the leaves underwent heavy fermentation to become black tea, followed by traditional longan wood charcoal roasting. Like its counterpart, this tea was harvested only once before the land was cleared for development, making it an exceptionally rare and precious find.

Source

This tea comes from a discreet tea collector who began crafting his own teas out of his love for the leaf and his inspiration from nature. He seeks out pristine forests and employs his self-studied six-category tea-making methods to develop a unique aesthetic and flavor profile. Each day, he harvests small quantities of leaves and processes them manually at home, capturing the genuine essence of the mountains and trees. His tea transcends conventional definitions, offering an artistic interpretation of tea.

Flavor Profile

This handcrafted charcoal-roasted black tea reveals layers of flavor that balance simplicity with depth. The dry leaves give off subtle notes of caramel and smokiness. Upon brewing, the tea’s rich ripe fruit and sweet aromas take center stage, with the charcoal roast adding a crisp clarity. The result is an understated yet profoundly satisfying experience — each infusion highlights a different expression of sweetness that gently fades into a clean finish.

Drinking Suggestion

Warm Haze is approachable and comforting, making it perfect for cheerful, sunny mornings or any moment you wish to feel lighter and more joyful. It carries a natural warmth and simplicity that resonates deeply, evoking a sense of pure contentment.

Gongfu Style

Use 3 – 3.5 g of tea leaves with 100 ml of water at 100° C. Steep for 25 seconds initially, then increase steeping time by 5 – 10 seconds with each infusion.

Western Style

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

Why We Share This Tea

The artistry of this tea lies in its simplicity. Unlike other black teas that are bold or complex, this tea offers lightness, clarity, and a natural grace. Its simplicity reveals a quiet confidence — a tea that doesn’t seek to impress but simply expresses the authentic beauty of the mountains. It’s a heartfelt creation from a tea artisan who focuses on conveying the original character of the land.

Key Information at a Glance

Cultivar • Qing Xin Oolong

Type • black tea

Origin • Hsinchu, Taiwan

Elevation • 350 m

Farming Method • wild-farmed

Harvest • spring 2023, hand-picked

Oxidation • heavy

Roasting • heavy charcoal-roasted