{"title":"Sugar","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\" author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003eThese teas are sweet in taste and aroma, and have notes that include rich malt, aromatic honey, and deep caramel. \u003c\/span\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"buddha-hand","title":"Buddha's Hand Redux","description":"\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Buddha's Hand cultivar is named for its uncharacteristically large leaves. Fully developed, they can span the width and length of a person's hand. Its name also alludes to the similarity in scent of its leaves to the zest of the fingered citron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea traces its origins to Fujian Province's Yong Chun county. It arrived in Taiwan with immigrants who planted the cultivar in the tea region north of present day Taipei. The popularity of other cultivars soon eclipsed Buddha's Hand, and it is now quite rare in Taiwan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuddha’s Hand Redux is uniquely crafted. In Fujian, Buddha's Hand is traditionally crafted as a lightly oxidized rolled oolong, similar to a green Anxi Tieguanyin. In Taiwan, we've come across both rolled and twisted versions of this tea - the few we've seen have also been lightly oxidized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn contrast, the oxidation level of the Buddha's Hand Redux exceeds 60%, achieved with an extended period of cool temperature withering that produces dark, auburn leaves. This longer withering period produces distinct honey and fruit notes in the tea. Once set as a maocha by the producer, an experienced roaster adds over a week of low temperature convection roasting. This second step produced the tea's chocolate, dark sugar, and malt notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuddha’s Hand Redux represents the perfect confluence of leaf cultivar, provenance, and skilled craftsmanship. The result is a tea that is texturally rich, sweet, and complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":12303457255512,"sku":"r-0026-30g","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":12303457288280,"sku":"r-0026-60g","price":62.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":12303457321048,"sku":"r-0026-120g","price":124.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":12303457353816,"sku":"r-0026-240g","price":248.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Kraft canister \/ 60g","offer_id":12303457386584,"sku":"r-0026-gc-60g","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Single brew \/ 6g","offer_id":43175506149589,"sku":"r-0026-single-6g","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/buddhashand2.jpg?v=1621994217"},{"product_id":"white-dragonwell-tea","title":"White Dragonwell","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of chrysanthemum, gingko nut, and marshmallow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eGreen tea from Zhejiang, China・April 2025・白龍井・Organic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e2026 Harvest available soon.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Dragonwell’s unusual name refers to this tea’s cultivar, which yields brilliant green leaves with a whitish down. It is closely related to a rare green tea called Anji Baicha (or Anji White Tea). The buds are small and boast wonderful fruit and floral notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat particularly distinguishes this tea is its source garden. At 1200m, the garden is in northern Zhejiang Province, less than an hour drive from Thousand Island Lake. It is remote, accessible via a single path that meanders through rows of loosely clustered tea plants. Limited infrastructure results in these plants being effectively dry-farmed. The region’s remoteness and elevation produce beautiful tea plants and perfect leaf buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the seventh year we’ve sourced White Dragonwell from this tea garden. The northerly latitude and higher elevation of this garden mean the harvest is later to sprout, and sprouts more sporadically than lower elevation gardens. Because of this, our method for selecting this tea is to cup several pickings - some earlier, and some later - and select the one that best combines the textural, aromatic, and taste properties that we look for in our teas. We are not necessarily tied to arbitrary date and time stamps, relying instead on the quality and character of the tea to guide our selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are 30,000 buds in 500g of tea. Each batch was carefully roasted in 3 stages. First, the tea was fired to stop further enzymatic breakdown; it was then pressed and shaped, and finally pan-roasted to dry. The entire production process took 40 minutes to complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finished result is sublime. To cup this tea is to experience a green that will reset your expectations of what quality is for a green tea. The texture is incredible; luscious and viscous, while at the same time, delicate and bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 3 grams・150 ml・185° F・1 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003eFew Dragonwells have the same round texture as this harvest. Our brew guidelines, followed strictly, will produce a tea that best expresses this tea's texture and mouth feel. We suggest pre-warming the tea brewing vessel, but avoid rinsing the leaves themselves. Instead, slowly pour water onto the leaves to ensure that each leaf is properly pre-moistened.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":12303457091672,"sku":"g-0010-30g","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":12303457124440,"sku":"g-0010-60g","price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":12303457157208,"sku":"g-0010-120g","price":196.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":12303457189976,"sku":"g-0010-240g","price":392.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":12303457222744,"sku":"g-0010-gc-60g","price":102.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Single brew | 3g","offer_id":43175051886805,"sku":"g-0010-single-3g","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/g-0010-wdw_1.jpg?v=1568795883"},{"product_id":"old-grove-honey-orchid","title":"Old Grove Honey Orchid","description":"\u003cp\u003eDan cong, or “single origin” teas, are harvested from orchards nearly a century old, with carefully cultivated trees that display a particular quality of aromatics and flavor, honed over decades. When a tree’s specific characters and expressions are identified by the tea maker, these tea trees are cloned through grafting, attaching the aromatic branches to existing tree trunks. This process ensures the finished tea has the depth and mineral rich qualities of a deeply rooted tea plant, while honing in on the most precise flavor profiles possible. Among these ancient groves of Phoenix Mountain oolongs of Wudong Shan, over 100 aromatic profiles exist today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHoney Orchid dan cong is a particularly fine example of this tea style, due to both the trees’ age, and the elevation of the 1100m source garden. The older root structures of these trees allow the plant to absorb a more complex set of nutrients, while higher elevation climate slows the rate of leaf development. Both factors contribute to this tea’s smooth texture and mouthfeel, sweetness, and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce picked, these leaves are first withered outdoors, then gently oxidized for ten hours to develop it’s distinct fruit and honey notes. The finished tea is given three rounds of post-production charcoal roasting to deepen and intensify its flavor. Over the coming months, you’ll notice a change in the liqueur of these brewed leaves, as the recent charcoal roast recedes, giving way to a a distinct aroma akin to apricot kernels, and the sweetness of an effervescent reisling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":12303455649880,"sku":"o-0022-30g","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":12303455682648,"sku":"o-0022-60g","price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":12303455715416,"sku":"o-0022-120g","price":144.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":12303455748184,"sku":"o-0022-240g","price":288.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":12303455780952,"sku":"o-0022-gc-60g","price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":43175486980309,"sku":"o-0022-single-5g","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/oldgrovehoney2.jpg?v=1621988827"},{"product_id":"redwater-tieguanyin","title":"Red Water Tieguanyin","description":"\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tieguanyin cultivar traces back to 19th century Anxi County, Fujian, and was carried across the channel by immigrants to Taiwan. It’s named for the iron (tie) bodhisavttva associated with mercy and compassion (Guanyin).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003eRed Water is often used to refer to teas that are heavily roasted, resulting in a dark, ruby tea liqueur. Prior to roasting, each leaf cluster is picked by hand in early May and oxidized for 20 hours – first shade withered, then rested indoors for 10 hours - followed by bruising and additional resting before the tea is roasted and rolled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo achieve its intense molasses quality, the maocha is convection baked for three days at a low temperature then finished over longan wood charcoal. The result is a brew that embodies the depth of a well-oxidized and precisely fired traditional tea, imbued with the lush character and texture of a high elevation oolong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":12303454994520,"sku":"o-0005-30g","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":12303455027288,"sku":"o-0005-60g","price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":12303455060056,"sku":"o-0005-120g","price":112.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":12303455092824,"sku":"o-0005-240g","price":224.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":12303455125592,"sku":"o-0005-gc-60g","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":43175502119125,"sku":"o-0005-single-5g","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/rwtieguanyin2.jpg?v=1621989007"},{"product_id":"shan-lin-xi-winter-sprout","title":"Shan Lin Xi Winter Sprout","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of caramelized ginger, kettle corn, and cotton candy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eOolong tea from Taiwan・January 2026・杉林溪不知春・Unsprayed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Shan Lin Xi Winter Sprout are sweetened by low temperatures at the beginning of the year, which triggered an increase in sugar and nutrient storage. The result is a concentrated sweetness, bringing the notes of spun sugar and candied ginger to the fore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several names for this tea. Winter Sprout is \u003cem\u003edong pian\u003c\/em\u003e in Chinese. The locals also like to call this \u003cem\u003ebu zhi chun\u003c\/em\u003e, which translates poetically to “never know spring,” a reference to tea leaves harvested before the arrival of warmer weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe harvested tea consists of single or paired leaves that have sprouted in several areas along the upper branches, which renders them distinctly different in appearance from standard spring or winter harvest teas. After shade withering, crafting is done entirely by hand – the leaves are bruised on woven bamboo trays, allowed a long, 40+ hour low-temperature oxidation, then rolled in small batches inside canvas bags, and roasted. Finally, the tea is baked at a low temperature to decrease moisture content and enhance sweetness and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique flavor profile of Shan Lin Xi Winter Sprout comes from a combination of harvest time and craftsmanship. The tea maker accentuates the accumulated flavor and aromatic compounds of the tea with unusually long oxidation and baking times. The result is altogether unique, and delicious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 6 grams・150 ml・205° F・1 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003eShort steeps of a minute or less will highlight the sweetness and caramel notes of this tea, while longer steeps will result in a thicker, more syrupy character. Keep subsequent infusions to the same recommended time. Shan Lin Xi Winter Sprout is also stellar iced.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":12303454830680,"sku":"o-0004-30g","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":12303454863448,"sku":"o-0004-60g","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":12303454896216,"sku":"o-0004-120g","price":96.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":12303454928984,"sku":"o-0004-240g","price":192.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":12303454961752,"sku":"o-0004-gc-60g","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 6g","offer_id":43175362429141,"sku":"o-0004-single-6g","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/o-slxws_2.jpg?v=1573696146"},{"product_id":"arbor-baimudan","title":"Arbor Baimudan","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of lemon verbena, almond milk, and rock sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eWhite tea from Fujian, China・April 2025・野放白牡丹・Organic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaimudan, or white peony in Chinese, is a white tea that consists of a blend of buds and leaves. The relative proportion of the two determines the tea’s quality and character. Most high-grade baimudans consists of one bud + two leaves. Our Arbor Baimudan’s exceeds that ratio with a mix of two buds to every leaf. A higher proportion of buds to leaf emphasizes the teas sweetness, floral notes, and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite tea quality is also a function of both provenance and leaf growth stage. The highest grade classic white teas come from Fuding County, in northern Fujian Province. Fuding’s terroir - coastal, yet protected by a single range of mountains, creates a cool and clean environment for tea to thrive. And the best quality Fuding white teas are grown on organic tea gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArbor Baimudan comes from a grove of semi-wild tea trees that were initially planted on an organic tea garden but subsequently left to develop without human intervention. The plants have not been pruned or watered, and neither pesticides nor fertilizers were ever used. In the last decade, the grove has become effectively biodynamic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese buds and leaves were picked in early April, then withered and air-dried over a 30 hour period. During this time, mild oxidation transforms the buds and leaves from sharp and grassy, to a tea that is rounder and more subtle than green tea, with exceptional clarity, enhanced aromatics, and notes of lemon verbena, almond milk, and rock sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 4 grams・150 ml・208° F・1 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003eWe suggest similar brew parameters for all white teas, using water that ranges between 195 - 208F, with a starting steep time of 1 minute. Extend steep time for larger volumes. A shorter steep time at lower temperatures produces a very bright and floral tea. Longer steep times and higher temperatures increases complexity and finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":12303453945944,"sku":"w-0007-30g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":12303453978712,"sku":"w-0007-60g","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":12303454011480,"sku":"w-0007-120g","price":160.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 30g","offer_id":12303454077016,"sku":"w-0007-gc-30g","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 4g","offer_id":43175114965205,"sku":"w-0007-single-4g","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/w-0007-abmd-2.jpg?v=1568845442"},{"product_id":"wild-tree-yunnan-red-tea","title":"Wild Tree Yunnan Red","description":"\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is both a rechristening and an upgrade to our iconic Old Tree Yunnan Red. The wild in its name refers to the old grove of wild \u003cem\u003ecamellia taliensis\u003c\/em\u003e trees used to craft this tea. We’ve chosen only the smallest leaves, creating a liqueur that is strikingly bright and candy-like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Tree Yunnan Red was grown in Fengqing County, Yunnan. This region boasts China's most ancient tea trees – some hundreds of years old, with deep root structures that allow for high absorption of nutrients and minerals from the soil. This varietal is known fondly as \u003cem\u003ehong ku\u003c\/em\u003e, or “red pants” by the indigenous people who harvest its leaves. Over the centuries, \u003cem\u003ehong ku\u003c\/em\u003e has adapted to the local ecological environment and, as a result, these trees are resistant to most pests and diseases and require neither watering nor fertilizing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is a labor of love from a producer with a passion for crafting delicious heritage teas. Wild Tree Yunnan Red is harvested in early April 2024, then shade-withered to bring out its innate clarity and sweetness. With a deft nurturing hand, the leaves are bruised, oxidized, and pan-roasted in small batches. The resultant maocha, or unfinished tea, is wrapped in canvas and baked over charcoal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe received this tea in late summer of 2025, hand have been holding on to it to mellow, sweeten, and increase in complexity. While this tea will deepen with time, our earlier release this year showcases its bright, effervescent character - one that will deepen over time. It brews sweet and fragrant, with liquor the color of Chinese lacquerware. Wild Tree Yunnan Red's flavor profile is decidedly juicy, a remarkable amalgamation of sweet vermouth, hawthorn flakes, and blackberry honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":29843850362968,"sku":"r-0018-30g","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":29843850395736,"sku":"r-0018-60g","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":29843850428504,"sku":"r-0018-120g","price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":29843850461272,"sku":"r-0018-240g","price":156.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":29843850494040,"sku":"r-0018-gc-60g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":43175549042901,"sku":"r-0018-single-5g","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30g pouch | 2024 crop","offer_id":53460384153813,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/r-0018-wtyr-1.jpg?v=1569210441"},{"product_id":"gold-guanyin","title":"Gold Guanyin","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of osmanthus, dried lemon, and honeysuckle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eWhite tea from Fujian, China・April 2023・金觀音・Organic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Guanyin, or jin guanyin, is a hybrid cultivar originally developed in Fujian’s Anxi province, created from grafted branches of huang jin gui on existing tieguanyin plants. The hybrid is meant to combine the gardenia and cream notes of tieguanyin with the fruit-like osmanthus notes of huang jin gui.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough originally intended for lighter oolongs, we had this cultivar made into a white tea, allowing the leaves to gently wither for 30 hours. Slow dehydration draws forth a round sweetness that is accentuated by the cultivar's innate floral qualities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 2023 harvest returns to the original intent of this tea, without the unintended (but welcomed) higher oxidation of the 2022 batch. This new harvest retains the complex aromatics of last year's batch, with distinct oolong aromatics of osmanthus, dried lemon, and honeysuckle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 4 grams・150 ml・205° F・1 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003eWe suggest similar brew parameters for all white teas, using water that ranges between 195 - 208F, with a starting steep time of 1 minute. Extend steep time for larger volumes. A shorter steep time at lower temperatures produces a very bright and floral tea. Longer steep times and higher temperatures increases complexity and finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":33401330303064,"sku":"w-0010-30g","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":33401330368600,"sku":"w-0010-60g","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":33401330401368,"sku":"w-0010-120g","price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 30g","offer_id":33401330466904,"sku":"w-0010-gc-30g","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 4g","offer_id":43175122010325,"sku":"w-0010-single-4g","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/goldguanyin_1_89cce378-4adf-4066-80d3-6c1a3ff3bc4c.jpg?v=1607403530"},{"product_id":"huang-jin-cha","title":"Huangjin Cha","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of sweet corn, heart of palm, and artichoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eGreen tea from Hunan, China・March 2025・保靖黃金茶・Unsprayed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e2026 Harvest available soon.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHuangjin Cha is a green tea that we originally sourced for Volume two of our Founder’s Collection. Now, as then, this tea is quite difficult to acquire. With a complex and aromatic profile, it’s not difficult to see why.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHunan’s reputation as a tea-producing region is often eclipsed by its neighbors to the east and west. But this is old tea country, and little known regions can at times harbor strange and unusual treasures. Legends from the Ming and Qing dynasties tell of an old Miao woman who healed a traveler with these very leaves and was repaid in gold, giving this venerable tea its name, Huangjin, which translates in English to gold. The name is appropriate, as this tea is indeed a treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrown in Baojing County, Northwestern Hunan, Huangjin Cha is crafted from a grove of centuries-old trees. Much like Wuyishan Ecological park, these tea trees are indigenous to the region, with records dating as far back as the 1300s. The region is hot and humid - the kind of heat that makes the air taste green - and gives Huang Jin Cha a certain weight and richness on the palate unlike other green teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHuangjin Cha is a layered brew. It is bold, yet perfectly balanced in a way that invites exploration of its complex aromatic and flavor profiles. Brewed, it carries a bouquet of floral and fruit notes that are more reminiscent of high mountain oolongs than green teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dry leaves smell of summer corn, while the liquor has the crisp sweetness of heart of palm, and the dark verdancy of artichoke. These notes are teased out over several steeps - as the tea reveals itself through multiple umami-rich layers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 3 grams・150 ml・180° F・1 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003eThis is a complex green tea that invites experimentation with different steep times. Progressively adding 30 seconds to each brew yields deeper and more complex finishes - without adding too much astringency.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":40527970336953,"sku":"g-0020-30g","price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":40527970369721,"sku":"g-0020-60g","price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":40527970402489,"sku":"g-0020-120g","price":280.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 30g","offer_id":40527970468025,"sku":"g-0020-gc-30g","price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Single brew | 3g","offer_id":43175038714069,"sku":"g-0020-single-3g","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/g_huangjincha1.jpg?v=1626829050"},{"product_id":"wild-gongmei-white-tea","title":"Wild Gongmei","description":"\u003cp\u003eWild Gongmei is a foraged tea from eastern Fujian Province, an hour southwest of Wuyishan near the border of Jiangxi. It is one of a pair of teas we used to launch the first issue of Founder’s Collection, Volume 02.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tea itself is a bit of a mystery. These tea plants do not have a specific cultivar name. It is called a cai cha by the Fujianese, a term that refers to a local area’s common tea. Each region has its own cai cha, but while most are crafted as green teas, Wild Gongmei has historically been crafted as a white tea. It’s name is also a bit of a misnomer. In the tea world, “gong mei” refers not to a specific variety, but rather to late harvest white teas. In contrast, our Wild Gongmei is picked early, and has a high proportion of buds to leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe added the wild qualifier to this tea’s name because this tea was foraged from small untended groves scattered across the region. In early April, seasoned tea pickers travel from grove to grove, slowly accumulating tea leaves from petit, wild growing trees to craft this tea. The gathered leaves are processed using centuries-old techniques of white teas; air-dried outdoors under partial shade. This step takes longer than modern processes that rely on indoor fans, and is both finicky and labor intensive. But the results can be worthwhile. Naturally air-dried leaves oxidize slowly, and this gradual process develops flavor and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis combination of wild foraged leaves and traditional craftsmanship creates an unusually lively white tea. Rich and deep, Wild Gongmei is reminiscent of lilac and honeysuckle flowers and defies expectations of a standard white tea. But Gongmei’s profile is actually more traditional than standard market whites, falling closely in line with white teas of yore, whose wildcrafted leaves, and small production sizes more fully expressed the innate aromatic character of the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":40591993143481,"sku":"w-0011-30g","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":40591993176249,"sku":"w-0011-60g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":40591993209017,"sku":"w-0011-120g","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 30g","offer_id":40591993274553,"sku":"w-0011-gc-30g","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 4g","offer_id":43175207403733,"sku":"w-0011-single-4g","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/w_wildgongmei_1.jpg?v=1627483053"},{"product_id":"shuixian-red-tea","title":"Shuixian Red","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of cherry liqueur, champurrado, and rose de mai.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eRed tea from Taiwan・May 2022・水仙紅・Unsprayed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShuixian is a relatively rare cultivar in Taiwan, grown in just a handful of gardens across the island. On the steep slopes of Lishan mountain, in a picturesque plot bordered by pine trees with sweeping mountain views, the Chang family has made this varietal their primary focus. The garden’s geography is ideal; high elevation slows the development of the leaves, adding sweetness to the tea, while the root structures, buried deep in the nutrient-rich soil, add depth. This combination of factors produces tea leaves that are rich in anti-oxidant catechins and sugars- the foundational building blocks of flavor, texture, and aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet despite the merits of the location, this is a difficult garden to reach. Solely accessible through a small fire road, these tea trees were, until recently, inaccessible due to a massive landslide. Now cleared, other challenges faced this year’s harvest. Significant labor shortages across Taiwan meant that a full 4 days of harvest and production yielded a scant 140 of finished tea. Peter spent the final two days working alongside the Chang family picking, processing, withering, rolling, bruising, and resting these leaves before purchasing the entire harvest and sending it to a producer for a final charcoal bake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cultivar traditionally crafted as an oolong, we took leaves to full oxidation before firing, making them a true red tea. We’ve been after a Red Shuixian for the Song Collection for some time now, ever since featuring a small run in The Founder’s Collection. It’s a marvelously textured tea, rich and malty, with a nose of cherry liqueur and bouquet of rose de mai. The final charcoal bake lends the leaves their soft, malted notes of champurrado and cocoa powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 2022 harvest is the counterpoint to our newly released \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/songtea.mom\/products\/aged-shuixian-red-2012\"\u003eAged Shuixian, ca. 2012\u003c\/a\u003e. Hailing from the same garden plot, these leaves are identical in every way, save for a decade of quiet aging. Taste them side by side, then stash some away for further experimentation. These leaves are wonderful now, and across decades to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 5 grams・150 ml・203° F・1 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":43481082101973,"sku":"r-0020-30g","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":43481082134741,"sku":"r-0020-60g","price":82.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":43481082167509,"sku":"r-0020-120g","price":164.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":43481082200277,"sku":"r-0020-240g","price":328.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":43481082233045,"sku":"r-0020-gc-60g","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":43481082265813,"sku":"r-0020-single-5g","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/r-sxr_1.jpg?v=1660755406"},{"product_id":"taiwanese-red-tea","title":"A Different Eighteen","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEighteen is a hybrid of a native Taiwanese wild cultivar and a large leaf Assamica, creatively named by the Taiwan Tea Research \u0026amp; Extension Station (TRES) for their 18th successfully developed cultivar. The wild Taiwanese lineage gives Eighteen its natural floral qualities, while the richness and intensity of the brew stem from the Assamica strain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Sun Moon Lake scenic area, these leaves are grown and produced by a farmer we met on our 2018 sourcing trip. A Different Eighteen pushes the post-harvest craftsmanship even further. In this iteration, we’ve parsed out the finer leaves from the general harvest, selecting leaves with more aromatic intensity and flavor. They are then charcoal roasted to concentrate and intensify these qualities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the course of three days, the leaves were slowly roasted over longan wood pits to distill the tea to its most innate form. Here roasting softens the highest and lowest notes of the tea, reducing the background noise and presenting a final product with a crystal clear structure and finish. Brewed, a Different Eighteen’s leaves unfurl in beautiful vermillion, with the sweet, almost menthol-tinged quality of Manuka honey, and notes of black currant, and hibiscus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 5 grams・150 ml・205° F・1 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":43639688855765,"sku":"r-0021-30g","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":43639688888533,"sku":"r-0021-60g","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":43639688921301,"sku":"r-0021-120g","price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":43639688954069,"sku":"r-0021-240g","price":152.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":43639688986837,"sku":"r-0021-gc-60g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":43639689019605,"sku":"r-0021-single-5g","price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/products\/r-adifferenteighteen_2.jpg?v=1663816084"},{"product_id":"charcoal-roasted-formosa-tea","title":"Formosa Rougui, Charcoal Roast","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of coconut candy, black sesame, and lychee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eOolong tea from Taiwan・April 2022・台灣肉桂烏龍・Unsprayed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis year’s iteration of Formosa Rougui underwent rounds of layered charcoal roasting, producing a tea that is darker and deeper than its predecessor, yet more restrained. This duality is the result of two tea makers, each skilled in their craft, combining efforts to create a rougui grown and crafted in Taiwan, with the all the hallmarks of a yancha from Wuyishan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe base tea hails from a small tea garden in Ping Lin we discovered in 2019. Located east of Taipei, the region is most well-known for Wenshan Baozhong, a twisted leaf, mildly oxidized green oolong. Cup after cup of this somewhat predictable cultivar left us listless until one tea maker led us through his gardens to a small copse of young tea trees he’d planted just ten years before. Here we found Formosa Rougui, a nearly unheard-of variety in Taiwan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur first taste of this Taiwanese-grown rougui remains one of our most treasured tea experiences. Thick and creamy, evocative of rougui from the Wuyishan Ecological Preserve in Fujian yet with floral and fruit notes inherent to Taiwanese oolongs, it was precisely the kind of unusual combination of flavors and character that we look for in our collection. While our initial Formosa Rougui release was baked in-house, we elected to have this year’s crop charcoal finished by a master roaster. Mr. Li’s experience spans not only Taiwanese teas but also draw from the traditions of mainland Wuyi yanchas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt took over three months to achieve the level of depth Mr. Li desired for these leaves. Round upon round of roasting created a rich lacquer of flavor and depth, each layer of charcoal paired with an extended period of rest, preventing the dark roast from ever descending into notes acrid or cloying. This level of attention paid off in spades; over 4-5 brews, the flavors and character of the tea are incredibly consistent, with a depth that mirrors a classic Chinese wuyi oolong and a sweet, clearly defined structure inherent to Taiwanese-style oolongs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe cultivar’s journey from Wuyishan to northeastern Taiwan is highlighted in its transformation. From twisted to rolled, earthen to floral, these leaves demonstrate the best of both cultures in one transcendent cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFormosa Rougui is packed in 100gram (3.5 ounce) vacuum sealed bricks. Tea ships in imported Si Fang Cha canisters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 6 grams・150 ml・208° F・2 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by the intimate supper clubs of the Song Dynasty, Sifang Cha is a small series of exquisite teas for special occasions. Each tea is carefully packed in hand-made canisters.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"100g canister","offer_id":43783041253589,"sku":"sfc-0006-gc-100g","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g refill (sans canister)","offer_id":43783041286357,"sku":"sfc-0006-rf-100g","price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/sfc-frg-1.jpg?v=1729031572"},{"product_id":"the-roasters-red-tea","title":"The Roaster's Red","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003eNotes of grenadine, peony, and golden raspberry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafting The Roaster’s Red began long before these leaves were ever harvested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe knew early on that we wanted a red tea with a rich aromatic base on which we could layer on a longan charcoal-roasted finish. We were inspired by Red Lily, a spring red tea in our 2020 core collection. Red Lily balanced heady aromatics with sweetness. Crafted from Jin Xuan, a hybrid developed by the Taiwanese Tea Research and Extension Station as a hardy, high-yielding plant, Red Lily was both aromatic and sweet. But what if we could also give it depth and richness with charcoal roasting?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the Roaster’s Red, we collaborated with the charcoal roaster to develop a base tea that was optimized for roasting. We delayed harvest by nearly two months to early June, taking advantage of leaf hoppers that bite the leaves, adding sweetness and depth to the base tea. Extended withering and oxidation time also gave the tea a foundation of fall fruit notes: from pomegranates to quince. We imagined the tea’s fruit notes intensifying with charcoal’s deep sweetness. And we weren’t disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLayers of light roasting compound and coax the subtle fruit and floral notes to the top of the nose, and simultaneously round and intensify their flavor. Former notes of pomegranate give way to rich grenadine, softened with hints of golden raspberry and blooming peony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003eBrew: 5 grams・150 ml・205° F・2 min\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":44647634272469,"sku":"r-0024-60g","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":44647634305237,"sku":"r-0024-120g","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":44647634338005,"sku":"r-0024-240g","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":44647634370773,"sku":"r-0024-gc-60g","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":44647634403541,"sku":"r-0024-single-5g","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/r-roasters-red_1.jpg?v=1762882458"},{"product_id":"nantou-dark-oolong-sequel","title":"Nantou Dark Sequel","description":"\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Nantou Dark Sequel shares many of the qualities of its predecessor, with striking sweetness, and iconic caramel and toffee notes. We developed this iteration to increase the longevity of the steeping leaves, carry flavor through more consecutive brews without losing flavor and texture. From the base of a mid-oxidized oolong, we’ve taken these leaves through twelve rounds of roasting at ever increasing temperatures, beginning with convection, and finishing with the infrared heat of charcoal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\" http-equiv=\"Content-Type\"\u003eThis tea took nearly two weeks to roast, each batch becoming successively smaller as moisture evaporates, and a portion of the increasingly delicate pearls break down into pieces too small to pass our inspection. The result of this intensive roasting transforms and enriches the tea’s sweetness and aromatics, and creates a classic “red water oolong”, so called for the rich scarlet shade of the brewed liqueur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the end, we’re incredibly pleased with the results; like our classic Nantou Dark, its sequel brews with depth and complexity, showcasing charcoal aromatics without the bitter or burnt notes often associated with higher fired oolongs, but now available in an even richer, long lasting profile.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":47662944583893,"sku":"o-0045-30g","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":47662944649429,"sku":"o-0045-60g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":47662944682197,"sku":"o-0045-120g","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":47662944714965,"sku":"o-0045-240g","price":168.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":47662944747733,"sku":"o-0045-gc-60g","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":47662944780501,"sku":"o-0045-single-5g","price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/o-0045-nd-sequel-2.jpg?v=1721191417"},{"product_id":"the-chens-two-day-harvest-oolong","title":"The Chens' Two Day Harvest","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr. and Mrs. Chen tend a plot of land along the dizzying slopes of Zhushan. There, tea plants grow ye fang, with no human irrigation, fertilizer, or manicuring, instead relying entirely on the region’s natural resources for its success. The roots are burrowed deep in the soil, leaves are peppered with bug bites (a surprisingly positive quality for a tea tree, the plant sends additional sugars to the bitten areas to form calluses, increasing the sweetness of the harvested leaves), and soil health, sunlight, and climate are subject to canopy of larger trees that shade the grove and create natural mulch for the soil below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a wild place, and its tiny scale makes it harder to contract with tea pickers who work in groups, choosing larger, less remote jobs. The Chen’s catch as many pickers after their early harvesting shifts as they can, offering them additional work through the the late morning. As such, the harvest of their grove is slightly drawn out, and the leaves from the first days plucking are remarkably smaller than those of the final third day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is crafted from the leaves of the first and second day of harvest only, when the buds were at their most tender and sweet. Older crafting methods are becoming increasingly rare across Taiwan, but Mr. and Mrs. Chen have a particular penchant for the traditional. This oolong is the result of time-honored techniques, including cloth globe rolling that gently furls the leaves into small pearls. A medium-to-high charcoal roast, sets the flavors, giving way to an intoxicating series of flavors and aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":48195086647509,"sku":"o-0047-30g","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":48195086680277,"sku":"o-0047-60g","price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":48195086713045,"sku":"o-0047-120g","price":128.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":48195086745813,"sku":"o-0047-240g","price":256.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":48195086778581,"sku":"o-0047-gc-60g","price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":48195086811349,"sku":"o-0047-single-5g","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/o-0047-chens2day_1_18bb48ad-b045-4b60-96e1-8ce4cc254cee.jpg?v=1719461959"},{"product_id":"buddhas-hand-winter-sprout","title":"Buddha's Hand Winter Sprout","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003eAged oolong tea from Taiwan・1982・陳年佛手烏龍\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung, yet surprisingly mature, Buddha’s Hand Winter Sprout comes in just below the 10-year threshold of what we typically consider the turning point of an aged tea. Perhaps it’s the tea’s chilly harvest season, or the expressive Buddha’s Hand cultivar, or perhaps the initial crafting was particularly conducive to the process of aging. Regardless, what this Buddha’s Hand Winter Sprout lacks in years is more than made up for in character and depth, brewing a stunning, layered cup of tea that rivals leaves thrice its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve been on a long journey to find the ideal Buddha’s Hand. The cultivar has become increasingly difficult to source in Taiwan, with the predominant Buddha’s Hand region on the southern end of the island erring towards teas that are more astringent than we like. This particular cache was grown in Nantou County, and came to our attention during a friendly tea drinking and tea making afternoon with friends. The maker shared a brew of this Buddha’s Hand with no real intention of selling it, but we were smitten from the start. The scant 68 catties we were able to acquire are wonderfully fruit-forward, an unusual characteristic for aged teas. This along with sweetly condensed candy notes and those of bright orange blossoms mark a tea decidedly rich and exciting to brew, and presents an arresting contrast to our 1982 Buddha’s Hand found here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBuddha's Hand Winter Sprout is packed in 60gram vacuum sealed packages. Tea ships in imported Si Fang Cha canisters, or as sealed refill packs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by the intimate supper clubs of the Song Dynasty, Sifang Cha is a small series of exquisite teas for special occasions. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach tea is carefully packed in the collection's signature canisters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"60g canister","offer_id":49901403766997,"sku":"sfc-0008-gc-60g","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"60g refill (sans canister)","offer_id":49901403799765,"sku":"sfc-0008-rf-60g","price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/sfc-bhws-1.jpg?v=1729030758"},{"product_id":"lishan-winter-sprout-oolong-tea","title":"Lishan Winter Sprout","description":"\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003eWinter sprout teas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m s-lparen\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m h-lparen\"\u003e(as\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e opposed to\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m s-ldquo\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z h-ldquo\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m h-ldquo\"\u003ewinter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e harvest” teas,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e which are\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e confusingly named and picked in the late fall)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e are the only oolongs picked in the winter. Unlike their spring and winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e harvest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e counterparts, winter sprout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003es are\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003edecidedly \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003efinicky, requir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003eing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e a se\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003eries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e of\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e weather\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e factors to occur in near perfect sequence: a warm temperatures or a brief warm snap in early winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z s-lparen\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z h-lparen\"\u003e(November\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e through early December) that triggers the leaves to bud and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003ea \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003esubsequent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e significant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e temperature drop that forces the young sprouts to develop under extremely cold conditions. T\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003eogether, these factors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003eforce the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e the tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e plants to store sugar in their extremities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003ethus \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003ethickening the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003e membrane of the tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e leaves to protect them from winter’s cold. Because tea trees hold less water in the winter time, the flavor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003es of winter sprout teas are\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003extra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-4z65zz66zl57z75zyiz66zfr2fz87zwz89znuj9p2bz85zz88z6h4z70z3wkiz87zkq2z68zryhwl6j4bz71z\"\u003e concentrated and distinct.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003eThis year, winter transitioned to spring without holding on as long as it had last year. But overall colder temperatures delivered the same richness and complexity as the previous year's tea. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan class=\"author-d-1gg9uz65z1iz85zgdz68zmqkz84zo2qoxwexwz73zbz66zz75zdunw9z76zz85zz72zmchz67zz75zz81zz89z3z75zxz69zq74m\"\u003eThe result is a leaf that has all the necessary components for an extraordinary tea: one with superlative body, rich floral characteristics and sweetness, without a hint of astringency or bitterness. Withered indoors, followed by long, low-temperature oxidation over ten hours, the fresh tea leaves are then gently rolled to bruise the leaves. A second, shorter oxidation period is followed by a final round of bruising, rolling and roasting to finish the tea. Brewed, Lishan Winter Sprout balances the verdant green flavors of springtime with a pillowy texture and arresting viscosity, unfurling in flavor and aroma as the leaves slowly open.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-summary\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"brew-detail\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":51576919687381,"sku":"o-0053-30g","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":51576919720149,"sku":"o-0053-60g","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":51576919752917,"sku":"o-0053-120g","price":168.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":51576919785685,"sku":"o-0053-240g","price":336.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Kraft canister \/ 60g","offer_id":51576919818453,"sku":"o-0053-gc-60g","price":88.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew \/ 6g","offer_id":51576919851221,"sku":"g-0053-single-6g","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/o-latewintersprout1.jpg?v=1749769543"},{"product_id":"lishan-green-heart","title":"Lishan Green Heart","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same cultivar as our Green Heart oolong from the 2024 collection, this year’s iteration moves even higher in elevation, from Shan Lin Xi up to the heights of the Lishan mountains in central Taiwan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch lofty elevations have a distinct effect on the nature of a tea’s leaves. Above 1000m, plants mature more slowly, allowing sugars to accumulate in the leaves and sweeten the tea, and the unique weather patterns of these alpine gardens with their clear, sunny mornings increases the development of flavor compounds in the leaves that are then locked in with the afternoon’s incoming mists and dropping temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don’t usually put much emphasis on the elevations our teas are grown, choosing instead to focus on the artistry of tea making post-harvest, where skilled craftspeople can transform, emphasize, or unearth qualities of sweetness, flavor, and depth through controlled oxidation, firing temperatures, or deep, caramelizing roasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimally crafted teas, however, like green teas and green oolongs, maintain their “close to the bush” qualities. In these cases, the onus of great tea making shifts from the craftsman to the garden and gardener. With just the lightest of charcoal bakes to set the flavor and preserve the tea, Lishan Green Heart is an incredibly clear example of the phenomenon of high elevation tea growing, echoing the flora of high alpine regions, with notes of pine and spruce and wild flower, and brewing with a verdant sweetness and the thick, creamy texture of a classic high mountain oolong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":51598672855253,"sku":"o-0052-30g","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":51598672888021,"sku":"o-0052-60g","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":51598672920789,"sku":"o-0052-120g","price":104.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":51598672953557,"sku":"o-0052-gc-60g","price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 6g","offer_id":51598672986325,"sku":"o-0052-single-6g","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/o-lishangreenheart1.jpg?v=1750126531"},{"product_id":"wild-tree-yunnan-white","title":"Wild Tree Yunnan White","description":"\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve carried the classic red tea version of these wild-grown leaves since the earliest days of Song. Yunnan is home to groves of ancient, native tea trees - some centuries old - with deep root structures that allow for high absorption of nutrients and minerals from the soil, creating teas with incredible depth of character and rich flavor. While we’ve never tried alternative crafting methods on these particular leaves before, it’s this strong foundation that makes a tea an idea candidate for experimentation and play. And so, Wild Tree Yunnan White was born.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn contrast to Wild Tree Yunnan Red, these leaves are only lightly oxidized. After harvesting, tea makers sort these leaves directly on to large mesh tables under constant air flow, drying the tea leaves in lieu of heating them to kill the green. While oxidizing and bruising brings forth dark fruit flavors from these leaves, withering maintains the character of the leaves much close to that of their pre-harvested state. It’s a significantly lighter brew, both in color and in texture, yet no poorer in flavor. Fruit notes are replaced by floral notes, caramelized sweetness by that of spun sugar. It’s a tea best sipped slowly, allowing the nuance and dignity of flavor to slowly unfurl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":51687924203733,"sku":"w-0012-30g","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":51687924236501,"sku":"w-0012-60g","price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":51687924269269,"sku":"w-0012-120g","price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 30g","offer_id":51687924302037,"sku":"w-0012-gc-30g","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":51687924334805,"sku":"w-0012-single-5g","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/w-wtyw-1_138ece4f-5e0c-4acb-a05a-331e02ea7c96.jpg?v=1752181150"},{"product_id":"april-27-amber","title":"April 27 Amber","description":"\u003cp class=\"tea-summary\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs our knowledge of cultivation and craft grows, so does our ability to play with each successive step, dialing a tea’s final character specifically to our liking, and this April 27 Oolong is one of a handful of teas that Song has had a direct hand in during every stage of production, from field to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur work on this tea began in 2023 during an all night shift spent working alongside a team of skilled tea makers. Just out of the drum ovens following a day of withering and oxidation, those leaves were a wonderful surprise, with unexpected tropic notes and rich, fruity character. What was intended early in the day, as just one tea, veered off into two: the planned mid- roasted version we named Amber and its gently roasted counterpart named Gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the 2024 crop, we had the advantage of strong sunlight, and created a pair of oolongs that were floral forward, prompting a reduction in the firing temperature so as to highlight those aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis year’s April 27 Oolongs brought its own set of unique challenges. Tea pickers are contracted by day, and paid by the volume they harvest. The small garden we work with makes less economic sense to a picker than a large one, and so we struggled to secure a crew for our oolong harvest. In the end, we settled for what was available - a group of pickers seasoned in the harvest of Oriental Beauty. Highly skilled in their own right, their picking style varied drastically from that of high mountain oolong harvesters. Oriental Beauty is picked with just one hand, each leaf selected by feel for the right size and shape. High mountain oolong, conversely, is harvested double handed, with small blades attached to the pickers fingers, and the process is nearly twice as fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slowed our morning harvest considerably, and in turn, our production. After the extended oxidation period required to draw forth the proper aromatics of this tea, bruising, kill green, and rolling were pushed far into the early hours of the following morning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite these delays, the stars were aligned for the quality and character of the tea leaves. The slow harvest meant the fields were exposed to more afternoon sunshine, speeding the oxidation process of the leaves and deepening its flavor profile, expressing in a tea with incredible fruitiness, tropical aromas and sweetness. And our ad-hoc team of pickers harvested the leaves with less stem that normal for a high mountain oolong, expediting the drying processes during withering and initial heating, and allowing the tea makers to get back on schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the end, this iteration, April 27 Amber, underwent rounds of medium-temperature charcoal roasting over longan wood pits, lending it a richness and caramel-like finish that contrasts wonderfully to its \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/songtea.mom\/products\/april-27-gold\"\u003egolden counterpart\u003c\/a\u003e. The result of hours of careful crafting is tantalizingly sweet and layered tea with a soft, rich texture and finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":51688655061205,"sku":"o-0049-30g","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":51688655093973,"sku":"o-0049-60g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":51688655126741,"sku":"o-0049-120g","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":51688655159509,"sku":"o-0049-240g","price":168.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":51688655192277,"sku":"o-0049-gc-60g","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 5g","offer_id":51688655225045,"sku":"o-0049-single-5g","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/o-a27a-1_cbf52af4-9522-40fe-94a6-9e02a95d2619.jpg?v=1752695798"},{"product_id":"april-27-gold","title":"April 27 Gold","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-notes\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs our knowledge of cultivation and craft grows, so does our ability to play with each successive step, dialing a tea’s final character specifically to our liking, and this April 27 Oolong is one of a handful of teas that Song has had a direct hand in during every stage of production, from field to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur work on this tea began in 2023 during an all night shift spent working alongside a team of skilled tea makers. Just out of the drum ovens following a day of withering and oxidation, those leaves were a wonderful surprise, with unexpected tropic notes and rich, fruity character. What was intended early in the day, as just one tea, veered off into two: the planned mid- roasted version we named Amber and its gently roasted counterpart named Gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the 2024 crop, we had the advantage of strong sunlight, and created a pair of oolongs that were floral forward, prompting a reduction in the firing temperature so as to highlight those aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis year’s April 27 Oolongs brought its own set of unique challenges. Tea pickers are contracted by day, and paid by the volume they harvest. The small garden we work with makes less economic sense to a picker than a large one, and so we struggled to secure a crew for our oolong harvest. In the end, we settled for what was available - a group of pickers seasoned in the harvest of Oriental Beauty. Highly skilled in their own right, their picking style varied drastically from that of high mountain oolong harvesters. Oriental Beauty is picked with just one hand, each leaf selected by feel for the right size and shape. High mountain oolong, conversely, is harvested double handed, with small blades attached to the pickers fingers, and the process is nearly twice as fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slowed our morning harvest considerably, and in turn, our production. After the extended oxidation period required to draw forth the proper aromatics of this tea, bruising, kill green, and rolling were pushed far into the early hours of the following morning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite these delays, the stars were aligned for the quality and character of the tea leaves. The slow harvest meant the fields were exposed to more afternoon sunshine, speeding the oxidation process of the leaves and deepening its flavor profile, expressing in a tea with incredible fruitiness, tropical aromas and sweetness. And our ad-hoc team of pickers harvested the leaves with less stem that normal for a high mountain oolong, expediting the drying processes during withering and initial heating, and allowing the tea makers to get back on schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the lightest of charcoal bakes - just enough to set the leaves, and concentrate the plant’s innate sugars - we suspended this version, April 27 Gold, in a state as close to that of the night it was crafted as possible, creating an incredibly floral and sweet-noted tea, and a wonderful counterpart to its \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/songtea.mom\/products\/april-27-amber\"\u003eamber-roasted twin\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":51711881773269,"sku":"o-0048-30g","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":51711881806037,"sku":"o-0048-60g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":51711881838805,"sku":"o-0048-120g","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":51711881871573,"sku":"o-0048-240g","price":168.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":51711881904341,"sku":"o-0048-gc-60g","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 6g","offer_id":51711881937109,"sku":"o-0048-single-6g","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/o-a27g-1.jpg?v=1752696626"},{"product_id":"ruby-variation-2","title":"Ruby, Variation #2","description":"\n\u003cp\u003eThe name derives from the color of this tea’s liquor, and to the high oxidization level that lands this tea somewhere between an oolong and a red. Like its predecessor, Ruby Variation #2, crafted from a variation of the green heart cultivar, is named for the beautiful red hue of the tea’s liqueur. But the similarities end there. A change of garden and a twist on craftsmanship have transformed this tea from something rich and fruity, to something incredibly floral and light. A different tea altogether, yet entirely appealing in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrown on Shan Lin Xi, the leaves of this red tea are rolled, and rolled teas are nearly always a visual indication of oolong teas in Taiwan. But Ruby Variation #2 transcends this category of tea, moving past the mid oxidation of an oolong and well into the dark, fully oxidized body of a red tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe qualities of sweetness and inherent floral notes of the leaves after this extended oxidation process are further crystalized by means of a series of low temperature charcoal roasts. Over several sessions, this process begins to caramelize the sugars of the leaves, accentuating the clean, sweet flavors of the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrewed, it’s a delightfully bright, high noted tea, balanced in flavors both bold and ephemeral.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":51785317384405,"sku":"r-0025-30g","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":51785317417173,"sku":"r-0025-60g","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":51785317482709,"sku":"r-0025-120g","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Kraft Canister | 60g","offer_id":51785317515477,"sku":"r-0025-gc-60g","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew | 6g","offer_id":51785317548245,"sku":"r-0025-single-5g","price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/r-ruby-v2-1_65c91efc-7aad-4736-bb1d-f9426b3a178d.jpg?v=1753917066"},{"product_id":"red-water-buddhas-hand","title":"Red Water Buddha's Hand","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn both urban and rural Taiwan, small roadside eateries often display signage that contain three characters: 古早味 (gu zao wei). Translating to mean “old early taste”, these words indicate the establishment’s commitment to traditional dishes and ways of cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Water Buddha’s Hand is a homage to this old taste. Made in a style over a century old, this tea comes together in a warm, dark-roasted oolong that tastes like home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Buddha’s Hand cultivar is named for its uncharacteristically large leaves. Fully developed, they can span the width and length of a person's hand. The name also alludes to the similarity in scent of its leaves to the zest of the fingered citron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea can be traced to its origins to Fujian Province's Yong Chun county, arriving in Taiwan by way of settlers who planted the cultivar in the tea region north of present day Taipei. The popularity of other cultivars soon eclipsed Buddha's Hand, and it is now increasingly rare in Taiwan.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis tea was grown on Alishan by the same tea maker who brought us our original Buddha’s Hand, a rolled oxidized tea using these same leaves. It was picked in spring and charcoal-roasted to develop its deep intense woodsy, flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Song Tea","offers":[{"title":"30g pouch","offer_id":51903796969685,"sku":"o-0054-30g","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g pouch","offer_id":51903797002453,"sku":"o-0054-60g","price":62.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"120g pouch","offer_id":51903797035221,"sku":"o-0054-120g","price":124.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"240g pouch","offer_id":51903797067989,"sku":"o-0054-240g","price":248.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White kraft canister \/ 60g","offer_id":51903797100757,"sku":"o-0054-gc-60g","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single brew \/ 5g","offer_id":51903797133525,"sku":"o-0054-single-5g","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1728\/6899\/files\/o-rwbh-1.jpg?v=1755715100"}],"url":"https:\/\/songtea.mom\/collections\/sugar-character-teas.oembed","provider":"Song Tea \u0026 Ceramics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}