High Mountain Green 2026

峨眉高山炒青

Harvest
April 4, 2026

Origin
Heibao Mountain, Haulong Village, E'Mei, Sichuan

There is a mythical mountain in Sichuan province. For many people, it is a household name that, when spoken, evokes an air of the otherworldly. This place is called E'Mei 峨眉.

There are four sacred buddhist mountains in China, E'Mei being one of them, and the highest peak. It is home to more than seventy ancient temples and is regarded by Buddhists as the place of enlightenment. Many people will know it for the well established community of monkeys that reside amongst the temples and engage with visitors of the mountain.

Tea cultivation on E'Mei dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when fresh teas from its peak were delivered to the imperial palace as Tribute Teas to the Emperor. Our High Mountain Green comes from Heibao Mountain, near Haulong Village at 3200 ft above sea level. This area, central to E'Mei, is the primary area for producing tea on this mountain, and almost all the tea gardens here were planted generations ago.

The soil on Heibao Mountain is formed from porous volcanic ash, providing ideal minerals and drainage for tea trees. The elevation means that Haulong Village is almost always covered in rain or fog. It is a place that, while feeling quite unchanged, has some enchanting adaptations. Around 20 years ago many fruit trees were planted in and around the tea gardens here. Now the tea grows in the dappled shade of fragrant loquat and peach trees. However unusual this is, the tea benefits from their proximity, and is said to smell like flowers on account of it.

This tea is made from leaves from the first picking of the season, consisting of one bud and two leaves. This results in a richer taste, which is in line with local preference. Regionally, this tea is simply referred to as 炒青 or "pan-fried green." Its tiny, coiled leaves rich in mottled shades of green are unmistakable: it's as though the palate of an entire rainforest has pooled at the bottom of the gaiwan.

While full bodied and rich in flavours reminiscent of flowers and seeds, this tea is remarkably refreshing. Its luminous liquor smells warm and feels both cleansing and hydrating to the body. Its clarity inducing salinity leaves a hint of saltiness at the back of the palate on the finish.

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Brewing guide