Tea: Father Zambezi's Mission (oolong tea)

Grower: Satemwa Tea Estate

Tea Maker: Alexander Kay

Origin: Thyolo Mountain, Shire Highlands - Thyolo District, Malawi

Elevation: 1,000m (3,280ft)

Cultivation: Conventional - Herbicides only, no pesticides

Harvest Date: June 2016 (Summer)

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Diverse, complex profile. Notes of sweet spice, savory malt, and tart fruit.

Smooth, full texture with a dry, lingering finish.

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The Tea

Father Zambezi's Mission is an award-winning oolong tea from Malawi. The leaves are hand-picked, then rolled to various degrees of oxidation. The oxidation ranges from around 10%-40%. Similar in processing to the Thyolo Oolong, Father Zambezi's Mission is using a higher quality plucking standard bringing a fuller mouthfeel and aroma.

Oolong teas are the most difficult category to craft, and many "oolong" teas from new origins like Malawi tend to fall short. Satemwa's "Father Zambezi's Mission" is a rare success: the tea embodies the full-bodied, sweet-savory traits of good oolong tea.

The tea won the Gold Medal Award for Malawi Tea at the 7th North American Tea Conference in Canada, hosted in Niagara Falls in 2016.

Learn about the people behind this tea: Satemwa Tea Estate

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Brewing Guidelines

185F - 195F

Western Style brewing recommended. Use lower leaf:water ratio, steep for longer than usual.