Black Tea Wild Trees Thai GABA, handmade Thai tea, (Red Tea), Spring 2023
One of the unique creations from our Thailand Tea Forest Project, this Wild Trees Red Tea is crafted from the big leaves of old, wild-growing trees, carefully sun-dried and strongly pressed into a 357g cake.
Due to certain distinct aspects of its production, this tea may have better aging potential than typical pressed red teas. It’s a fascinating and highly aromatic tea, offering complex flavors and a thought-provoking drinking experience.
👉 Learn more about our Thailand Tea Forest Project here: Tea Forest Project – Our Mission
Description
Leaf Appearance and Aroma
- Dry Leaves: Slightly sweet, acidic, and fruity, with smoky-woody notes—a characteristic aroma of sun-dried, cake-pressed black tea.
- Heated Leaves: The fragrance intensifies, revealing a deeper aromatic complexity.
- Wet Leaves: The aroma becomes highly pronounced and vibrant, bursting with sweetness, acidity, and a medley of fruity-forest berry notes—blueberries, red currants, cranberries—so intense it smells like a fresh berry smoothie. An absolute delight for the nose.
Flavor Profile
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Taste:
- As expected, the infusion’s flavor mirrors the intensity of its aroma—fruity and berry-forward with a touch of smoky-woody depth.
- Strong, aromatic, and well-balanced, offering an interplay of sweetness, bitterness, and acidity.
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Consistency:
- Thick, cloudy, and smooth, providing a rich mouthfeel.
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Aromas & Notes:
- Gooseberry, coconut, lychee, mangosteen, and cardamom spice come into play, alongside subtle floral hints.
- The more you focus, the more layers of aromas emerge, making each sip a dynamic exploration.
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Rustic Undertones & Aging Potential:
- In the background, there are less obvious rustic notes, adding depth and character.
- When brewed strong and long, it takes on an almost Pu-erh Shu-like feel, further distinguishing it as a truly unique tea from start to finish.
Tea Details
- Origin: Thailand
- Year: Spring 2023
- Cultivar: Camelia Assamica from old, wild-growing trees
Brewing Instructions
Western Brewing
- Temperature: 96°C
- Tea-to-Water Ratio: 5g per 250ml
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Steeping Times:
- First infusion: 1.5 minutes
- Second infusion: 2 minutes
- Third infusion: 3 minutes
Gongfu Brewing
- Temperature: 96°C
- Tea-to-Water Ratio: 5–6g per 100ml
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Steeping Process:
- First Infusion: Brew for 25 seconds.
- Subsequent Infusions: Add 5–10 seconds per steeping.
Brewing Notes
This tea is incredibly versatile and invites experimentation!
- Try temperatures between 90–96°C, or even as low as 85°C for a different expression of flavors.
- Infusion times can dramatically change the experience—brew it quickly for a lighter, nuanced cup, or longer for a deep, robust profile.
- Be mindful—it brews strong, fast!
Why Choose Wild Trees Red Tea?
This tea offers a rich, aromatic experience, with deep fruity notes, hints of spice, and a rustic backbone that sets it apart from conventional red teas. Its strong aging potential and ability to transform with different brewing methods make it a must-try for tea lovers looking for something extraordinary.
