China Huangshan Twisted Da Ye – Organic Black Tea

Brew & Taste

China Huangshan Twisted Da Ye has a very cultured impression. The infusion is smooth, without gritty astringency. Its aroma unfolds gradually – from mild fruitiness reminiscent of stone fruit, to slightly sweet notes similar to cocoa or malt, to a delicate touch of smoke. This particular inoffensive smokiness and fruity-floral elegance are characteristic for teas from the Qimen area. In our case, it's also enhanced with a non-traditional production process.

Origins

The origin of organic Huangshan Twisted Da Ye tea is clear: Xiu Ning County in China’s Anhui Province is characterized by the mountain slopes of the legendary Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) range. The landscape is often shrouded in mist, the forests smell of resin, and the tea plants grow in an environment that literally infuses their leaves with flavor. It's no coincidence that Anhui has been associated with high-quality black teas for generations and that the famous 'Keemun' tradition also originates from there. But Huangshan is a unique area: wilder, more rugged, with a different rhythm of weather and soil. That's exactly what this tea is like.

The tea gardens are located at an altitude of 500-800 meters. The humid mountain climate, frequent fog, and significant differences between day and night temperatures slow the growth of the leaves. And that’s good news: when the tea plant takes its time, it concentrates more aromatic compounds in the leaves, and the resulting flavor tends to be more delicate, cleaner, and more complex. Moreover, the fog acts as a natural light filter. It protects the bushes from harsh sunlight and promotes the development of elegant aromas. What's more, there's rich surrounding vegetation – forests, shrubs, and herbs – which creates a stable microclimate.

The soil also plays an important role. The mountainous, mineral-rich subsoil gives the infusion its structure; the tea has a smooth, yet full-bodied character; it's light, yet has a firm profile. And because the local conditions are favorable (cooler altitude, humidity, biodiversity, and less impact from certain pests), the region lends itself to organic cultivation without harsh chemical interventions. This is truly essential for a tea that you want, which should stay pure and have a clear notion of its origin.

The processing itself is also interesting. While Huangshan Twisted Da Ye belongs to the same varietal and regional family as the well-known Keemun-type teas, there are some differences. During production, oxidation (fermentation) is deliberately interrupted twice, and only then does hot-air drying take place. This unconventional process preserves more of the leaf’s freshness while allowing delicate aromatic layers to unfold.

Tea packaging preview

We pack our teas in a strong, zip-lock aluminum packet which allows you to easily re-seal its contents. This container protects the quality of the tea against humidity, light or foreign odors, all of which could noticeably affect the quality of the brew.