'Feral Red' is our interpretation of Jingmai Mountain sun-dried red tea. Dry nose of leather & tobacco, amber liquor with palpable viscosity, subtle notes pervading the liquor. Like many of our teas, unassuming, yet rich and satisfying.
In the late-2000's, there was an effort in the Jingmai Mountains to convert monoculture, terraced taidi plantation tea to ecological shengtai gardens. This included reducing planting density, interplanting with fast-growing native trees and allowing tea shrubs to change their growing habit. Many of these shrubs have now transitioned into trees and become prolific producers.
Our 'Feral Red' is made from these decades old naturalized plantings. It is a homage to the red soils of Jingmai Mountain - rustic and full-bodied, with a fragrance profile that transforms gracefully over time. Every year, we try to hold some of this tea back for aging, but just can't seem to keep it in stock.