766 years old tree 2026 bing

Name: 766-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 arrives with a striking combination of woody depth, refined bitterness, and gentle spice. It immediately conveys a sense of age and character, while a light yet pronounced energy begins to spread through the body. There is a quiet strength beneath the surface—subtle at first, but impossible to ignore.

The second infusion develops beautifully, bringing warm notes of aged wood and cinnamon accompanied by another wave of energy. Delicate hints of bourbon vanilla emerge in the background, fleeting yet captivating, adding an unexpected softness to the tea’s otherwise noble and structured profile. It is one of those moments that invites you to pause and simply appreciate the complexity unfolding in the cup.

Brewing in a porcelain gaiwan with infusions of around 30 seconds allows the tea to reveal its full spectrum of flavours and aromas. As the session progresses, the liquor becomes increasingly juicy, unveiling layers of tropical fruit and natural sweetness. Each subsequent infusion gains in harmony and balance, with no single element dominating the others. Sweetness, bitterness, fruitiness, texture, and aroma merge into a remarkably coherent whole.

The tea’s energy gradually fills the entire body, creating a warming and uplifting sensation that remains present throughout the session. At the same time, the liquor retains the unmistakable character of a true danzhu (single-tree) tea. Rather than blending into a generic profile, each infusion expresses its own distinct personality, revealing flavours and sensations that feel unique to this individual ancient tree.

What makes this tea truly extraordinary is not only its flavour but also 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 only limited harvests, and express a depth of character that cannot be replicated. Their roots reach deep into the earth, while their branches have endured centuries of changing seasons, shaping a complexity that only time can create.

Every cup offers a glimpse into this accumulated wisdom. More than simply a tea, it is an encounter with a living monument of nature—a fleeting opportunity to taste the unique expression of a tree that has stood quietly through centuries, producing leaves of remarkable individuality and depth.

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.

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.