PROFILE: MINERALS, MUSHROOM, FOREST FLOOR

ORIGIN: MUONG KHUONG,LAO CAI, VIETNAM

HARVEST: APRIL 2026

The second year of the Thunder Genie dark tea project was supported by ideal weather conditions in the remote corner of Muong Khuong where it grows and is processed. Rarely harvested, old growth tall trees make for powerful leaves packed with distinctive mineral, earthy, forest floor, and mushroom character.

Pine aroma and a medium bodied pale lemon liquor deliver a good balance of sweetness, astringency and bitterness. The muted bitterness of early brews increases later to an intensity usual for young sheng teas. The welcome sweet aftertaste is reminiscent of the pine and spice notes occasionally found in mangoes.

Thunder Genie dark tea is produced in a sparsely populated H’Mong village with a high proportion of old tea trees. The tea maker has years of experience making sun-dried teas, but until recently these were only for local consumption. We have very high hopes for the future of this tea.