barrel aged chiang mai

type: black

origin: thailand

region: doi chiang dao and doi luang chiang mai

caffeine: strong

price level: $$$$

Harvest Date: May 2018. Elevation: 1,300m . Cultivar: Indigenous Assamica . Our Garden Direct whiskey barrel aged teas are a unique expression of Rishi's core values: Selector, Importer and Maker. We chose two regions in Thailand to be the source for this innovative project: areas surrounding both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. We harvested the tea in spring and after traditional processing sent them to our close partners in Japan to begin the whiskey barrel aging process. The result is a fascinating journey through how terroir, unique heirloom genetics and careful handling can bring about unique and brilliant flavor nuances. The leaves harvested from Doi Chiang Dao and Doi Luang Just north of Chiang Mai come from an ancient grove of indigenous assamica tea trees. The trees are hundreds of years old and grow ten to fifteen feet in height. After curing in whiskey barrels flavors of char and peat develop with a long lasting sweetness touched by vanilla. With each infusion the light heat from the whiskey mellows and rounds allowing for subtler flavors to emerge.