Wild Violet

Purple Bud Shan Cha

• Type: Hong Cha (Black)
• Harvest: August 2024
• Cultivar: Zi Ya Shan Cha
• Elevation: 800m
• Location: Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County, Taiwan

Tasting Notes

• Dry Leaf: Mangosteen, White Grape
• Wet Leaf: Lemon Myrtle
• Liquor: Reddish Orange
• Taste: Honeyed Oats, Pilsner

Floral, Fruity, and Then… Grain?

This one has a tropical fruit dry-leaf aroma, flaunting a crisp sweetness that recalls white grapes and mangosteen. But the taste moves in a different direction — smooth, malty, and honeyed, with a touch of pilsner-like graininess.

Made from wild-cultivar mountain tea, this hong cha carries the influence of old Assamica plantings from Sun Moon Lake, but with zesty floral touch. The purple character isn't particularly visible after processing into hong cha, but attentive drinkers will appreciate the warming and buzzing Cha Qi.