PROFILE: GREEN BEAN, CITRUS, SMOKE, PINK LIQUOR

ORIGIN: CHO LONG, SON LA, VIETNAM

HARVEST: OCTOBER 2023

Although this tea has a hint of novelty about it due to its unusual salmon pink colour when brewed, it is nonetheless a fine and wonderfully refreshing green tea. Harvested from an area of old wild tea trees in Son La province between the Black River and the Lao border, the leaves are initially processed as a typical green tea before they are subjected to the complex roasting cycle that is responsible for the unique pink brew and impressive range of flavours - a fascinating blend of green, aged and smokey tea. Blushing Moon was produced late last year but has been allowed to rest allowing the smokey aroma to settle down.

The dry Blushing Moon tea leaf has a pleasant light smoke aroma to it but this carries through only as a background note in the brewed tea, although it becomes more prominent in later steepings. Brewed quickly, early steepings produce gentle, attractive green bean notes - and there are subtle citrus flavours to be discovered as well. Later brews become stronger, smokier and with a fuller mouthfeel. Throughout the steepings, the aftertaste is sweet and longish. If you love both green teas and smokey teas, you'll love Blushing Moon.

Our preferred brewing method in 4 gram of tea in 200 ml of water at 85C for 15 to 20 seconds. Adjust for later steepings according to taste.