Osmanthus Laoshan Black

Osmanthus flowers are extremely ephemeral. Their trees bloom once a year for two weeks in October. In a village nestled within the cliffs of Mount Lao, where Osmanthus trees are indigenous, this is an unmistakable event. For a short time, the area is filled with the incredibly sweet smell of the flowers.

The tiny blossoms fall nearly as soon as they have opened, covering the ground in a tangerine snow. In their descent they fill the air with what appear like dancing fairies, animated by the wind. There are only three days when the flowers may be harvested and still retain the intensity of their smell. During this time Grandmothers in Laoshan collect them by hand, as has been a local custom for generations.

Tea leaves are long known to have the remarkable capacity to absorb and preserve the scent of flowers that would otherwise disappear. However, the process of scenting tea leaves is laborious and long-developed; it began in the Southern Song Dynasty more than 1000 years ago. It requires a careful understanding of the ratio of flower to tea, and several rounds of infusions to achieve a lasting transfer of the flower's otherwise fleeting scent.

Mr. Tang and his family, who operate a small team farm with plots scattered at the base of Mount Lao, are known for their skill with traditional scenting. These tea leaves were harvested by Mr. Tang's mother and grandmother, then scented by his uncle.

Following scenting the Tangs have left some of the dried flowers amongst the dried tea. When we brew it, the tiny flowers dance under water, much like they did as they fell from the tree. While this tea appears to consist of two distinct things, the qualities of the osmanthus and the Laoshan black have blended to become one single, indistinguishable flavour.

Together, they make for an incredibly sweet hybrid, with notes like chocolate, orange, Grand Marnier, and even Ferrero Rocher. After several infusions the scent of the osmanthus dissipates and we are left with the deep, soothing warmth of a soft Laoshan black. It is needless to say, this is a very pleasurable drink.