Quick Facts
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Origin: Lincang, Yunnan, China
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Flavor: Dark Cocoa · Honeyed Apricot · Rose
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Caffeine: High
Brewing Ritual
2 tsp Tea | 12 oz Water | 195°F–200°F | 3–4 Mins
This tea is exceptionally smooth. Because it is composed entirely of tender buds, it stays sweet even with longer steep times. We recommend a second infusion to experience the deeper stone-fruit notes.
The Experience
Known as "Juan Ya," these Golden Tips are composed entirely of fat, downy buds harvested during the early spring flush. While the Golden Needle is prized for its strength and spice, the Golden Tips offer a more delicate, nectar-like mouthfeel. As the amber liquor washes over the palate, the initial richness of dark chocolate gives way to a bright, sun-ripened apricot sweetness. It is a sophisticated tea that remains smooth and forgiving, even with longer steep times, making it a perfect daily luxury for the seasoned black tea lover.
The Art of the Golden Bud
What sets our Golden Tips apart is the meticulous hand-sorting of the "tips"—the youngest, most nutrient-dense part of the tea plant. Sourced from the high-altitude forests of Lincang, these buds are covered in tiny white hairs that turn a brilliant gold during the oxidation process. This high concentration of buds results in a tea that is naturally low in tannins and high in amino acids, providing a sustained energy lift without any harsh astringency.
Pairing Suggestions
The natural creaminess of Golden Tips makes it an ideal partner for light desserts like vanilla bean panna cotta, almond biscuits, or fresh fruit tarts. It also holds up surprisingly well alongside creamy cheeses or a weekend brunch. Because of its intense natural sweetness, it is best enjoyed "neat" to appreciate the complexity of the Yunnan terroir.
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