A transformative blend of Lincang Gushu Raw PuErh from September 2020. The teas were not only selected for their rich aromatics but also for their distinct Cha Qi, deep body and long finish.
The Chime Gatherer is a specially crafted blend of Gushu (ancient tree) Raw PuErh from two famous and remote villages. Half of this tea is made from Autumn pickings of estimated 300-500 year old tea trees from Na Han near Bang Dong in Lincang. This is a very famous village for having ancient tea groves with a distinctly deep Cha Qi. The other half is made from estimated 150-250 year old trees growing in the remote Mang Fei village of Yongde near the Myanmar border. These larger and darker leaves have an abundance of body and offer more creaminess to the PuErh combination.
The intention of this tea (apart from making a delicious blend) was to produce a PuErh which celebrated the transformative power of stillness, quiet and inner tranquillity. I also wanted a tea that embraces the Taoist concept of 'Wu Wei' - a state of being which uses effortless flow and unforced actions (and sometimes inaction) to live a more harmonious existence.
The Chime Gatherer is a blend specially crafted to encourage this approach to living through its body sensation and the artwork was illustrated by Celine to reinforce this intention. The Loris is sitting quietly on a snowy Persimmon tree, holding a triangle and baton to peacefully call out to anyone who wants to gather in the snow-blanket quiet around the tree and contemplate stillness. The stark nature of the artwork was chosen to further bring a peaceful yet powerful simplicity to the tea experience.
The Persimmon tree was chosen because we picked up sweet Persimmon in the taste of the blend but this fruit just so happens to also be symbolic of transformation and winter so it fit perfectly.
As this is an Autumn tea, it has a gentler nature while bringing some intense aromatics. The age of the tea trees then add physicality, an epic finish and accentuate the clearing and quieting body sensation. This is the perfect tea for calm conversation, pre or post meditation or simply a solo session of non-judgmental observation. But, of course, don't let me tell you how or why you should drink your tea - it's yours to enjoy as you choose.
