Ruby 18 | Spring 2024 | Nantou, Taiwan
Handpicked at 1000m elevation in the lush spring of 2024, this Ruby 18 offers a bold yet refined experience. The dry leaves form tight charcoal and copper-toned balls with a glossy sheen, hinting at the rich roast to come. On the nose, dry leaf aromas evoke roasted pine, charcoal, and toasted nuts, opening up into deep notes of shaved wood, dark-roast coconut, and coffee as the leaves are infused.
The liquor steeps to a vibrant burnt orange, carrying a medium body that feels both refreshing and rounded. Expect a complex profile: burnt coconut and pine interplay with a bright rosehip-like acidity, evolving into a lingering eucalyptus sweetness. The finish surprises—starting slightly astringent, then transforming into a juicy, tingling, and sweet finale.
Spent leaves are large, olive-toned, and glossy, with fine texture. The empty cup carries warm scents of dark chocolate and umami-rich soy. A tea that’s both grounding and inspiring—perfect for moments of calm creativity.
Cultivar: Ruby 18
Origin: Nantou, Taiwan
Elevation: 1000m
Picking: Up to the third or fourth leaf
Season: Spring 2024