Burma Mogok 'Mandalay Mystique' Black Tea

An experimental black tea from Mogok Tea, produced from high elevation semi-wild tea leaves collected across the Mogok and Shan regions. The tea has a wonderful smooth berry taste with a noticeable roast coupled with some astringency.

Sourced direct from Mogok Tea, founded recently by Phyu Thwe, who grew up in Mogok village and succeeded in becoming a London based accountant with her own practice. Phyu was inspired to give back to her local area as Burma is one of the poorest countries in the world but wanted to do so in a sustainable manner.

She decided the best way to do so was through tea, with her parents owning a local tea estate; she invested in the latest tea processing machinery and most importantly brought Beverly Wainwright (who developed Amba's Hand-Rolled Black Tea) to teach the locals how to pluck and process the tea to an exceptionally high standard. Resulting in exceptional tea produced with the Ruby winning the Gold Award in the 2022 Leafies and Phyu personally winning the Tea for Life award at the 2022 Leafies.

Mogok Tea employs 60% of all people in Mogok village and pay them year round wages as opposed to seasonal payments as is typical for Burmese tea workers.

Tasting Notes:
- Brilliant aroma
- Smooth berry taste
- Noticeable background roast with some astringency

Harvest: 2024

Altitude: ~1,100m
Cultivar: Native old Burmese Assamica and Sinensis bushes
Origin:  Mandalay (Mogok and Pindaya regions), Burma
Sourced: Direct from the producer
Percentage of price going back to the farmer: 35%+

Brewing Advice:
- Heat water to roughly 95°C/203°F
- Use 2-3 teaspoons per cup/small teapot
- Brew for 3-5 minutes

Packaging: Resealable ziplock bag