750 years old tree 2026 bing

Name: 750-year-old tree
Year: Spring 2026
Weight: 200 g pressed bing/cake
Origin: Wawee Organic Tea Farm, Mae Suai, Thailand

Details:

As the 970-year-old tea tree has become increasingly sought after and its harvest remains extremely limited, I decided to create three additional single-tree editions from the next three oldest tea trees growing in Veian’s organic tea gardens. These teas offer a unique opportunity to explore the individual personalities of some of the oldest living tea trees in the region.

The first infusion opens gently, almost deceptively so, with a light and delicate liquor that hints at the complexity yet to unfold. Despite its restrained beginning, the tea’s energy is immediate and unmistakable—flowing swiftly through the body, spreading warmth through the veins and quietly gathering strength.

By the second infusion, the character of the tea begins to reveal itself. Juicy notes emerge alongside subtle spice and a natural sweetness that lingers on the palate. The third brew deepens the experience further, becoming rounder and sweeter while introducing a refined bitter coating. This is not a harsh bitterness but one of elegance and precision, enhancing rather than dominating the taste. At this stage, the tea clearly displays the distinctive danzhu (single-tree) character—a depth and individuality that is difficult to find in teas produced from larger blends.

Short infusions of around 30–40 seconds seem ideal for the first six brews, allowing the tea to express its complexity layer by layer. Tropical fruit notes begin to appear, woven together with fine bittersweet accents. Waves of warmth move steadily through the body, while the tea’s concentrated energy rises toward the head, producing a clear and uplifting sensation. By the fourth infusion, the tea reaches a remarkable state of refinement: every element appears purified and balanced, delicate yet complete, with nothing excessive and nothing missing.

What makes this tea truly extraordinary is not only its flavour but its origin. The leaves come from a single ancient tea tree that has witnessed centuries of history. Drinking tea from such an old tree is a rare privilege—an opportunity to experience a living connection to generations long past. Ancient trees grow slowly, produce limited yields, and express a depth of character that cannot be replicated. Each cup offers a glimpse into the accumulated wisdom of time itself.

The minimalist paper wrapper, designed by Milos Karasek, reflects the beauty of simplicity and Zen aesthetics. The small ponds depicted in the design may be seen as tranquil Zen gardens or as the growth rings of a tree, symbolizing the passage of time and the remarkable age of these ancient tea trees.

The cake has been pressed to just the right degree—firm enough to support proper aging and long-term storage, yet loose enough for the leaves to separate easily during brewing without excessive force. This balanced compression helps preserve the integrity of the leaf material, allowing many leaves to unfold beautifully and remain largely intact once infused. The result is a cake that is both practical to work with and visually rewarding, revealing the beauty and craftsmanship of the original tea leaves.