Dae-ip Cha 2024

Dae-ip cha (“big-leaf tea” but made with small leaf bushes), is one of two Balhyocha made by the 8th generation tea master, Oh Si-Young of Dosim Dawon. The steeply climbing fields of their gardens are quite a sight to behold! This farm is also home to some very old tea trees - a millennial tea tree high on the mountain peak and its centuries-old descendant trees scattered throughout the beautiful gardens.

Before you taste this tea, the room is already filled with a sweet plum fragrance. On the tongue, this scent is complemented by hints of refined barbecue sauce. Both sweet and tangy notes make their way into your palate without overshadowing the enticing plum flavor. Similar in taste to a Taiwanese Dongfang Meiren (Oriental Beauty), it holds a slight fermentation profile often found in Chinese yellow teas.

This tea will bring a warming sweat that rivals even the best saunas. Enjoy the intense aroma and lingering tang long after your last sip.

Dae-ip cha is a solid and robust tea, delicious whether steeped in a gaiwan or sipped from a mug.