Ancient tree tea

Hidden in the primordial forests of Phongsaly and Pakse, where volcanic soil meets perpetual mist, grow Laos' wild arboreal tea trees—centuries-old Camellia sinensis var. assamica that intertwine with fruit-bearing canopy trees. These towering specimens, descendants of seeds scattered along the ancient Tea Horse Road, developed unparalleled complexity through generations of unmanaged growth until their rediscovery during the modern pu'er craze.

Artisan producers honor this legacy through entirely handcrafted processing: sun-withered leaves meet iron wok firing over hardwood flames, preserving the leaves' untamed character. The resulting brew astonishes with its layered evolution—initial bold floral-fruity notes with a hint of pleasant bitterness give way to honeyed sweetness, while the lingering aftertaste reveals earthy undertones of forest moss and aged timber. Its exceptionally sturdy leaves withstand over 15 infusions, each steeping unveiling new dimensions.

As Southeast Asia's last tea wilderness untouched by industrialization, Laos' ancient trees offer more than exquisite flavor. They embody a living bridge between the botanical heritage of the Tea Horse Road and contemporary seekers of purity—a testament to how nature, left undisturbed, cultivates profundity in every leaf.