huangpian of 750, 766 and 883 danzhu trees

Year: Spring 2026
Weight: 200 g pressed bing/cake
Origin: Wawee Organic Tea Farm, Mae Suai, Thailand

Details:

This Huang Pian (黄片) was created by blending the carefully selected mature leaves separated from the maocha of the three oldest tea trees used for the Spring 2026 single-tree (danzhu) cakes. Rather than allowing this precious material to disappear into anonymity, Veian chose to preserve it, making it possible to experience yet another expression of these remarkable ancient trees.

In many tea gardens, Huang Pian is often overlooked because of its larger leaf size and less uniform appearance. Yet when the material originates from genuine ancient tea trees, it can reveal a completely different side of the harvest—one that is often sweeter, more approachable, and surprisingly rich in character. In this case, the leaves come from three extraordinary trees aged approximately 883, 766, and 750 years, making this blend a unique meeting point of some of the oldest tea trees in Veian’s gardens.

The first infusion opens with remarkable freshness. Bright citrus notes, hints of fruit, and an almost sparkling liveliness immediately emerge from the cup. Within a few minutes, the Cha Qi begins to make itself known, flowing naturally through the body and becoming noticeable in both the arms and legs. The experience is surprisingly vibrant, reminiscent of a refreshing lemonade made with fresh lemon zest. It is invigorating, thirst-quenching, and unlike any Huang Pian I have encountered before.

A gentle background of bitterness and astringency provides structure and depth, creating an almost herbal or medicinal quality that remains pleasant and balanced. Rather than dominating the tea, these notes enhance its refreshing character and contribute to its unique personality.

With the second infusion, both the flavour and the Qi continue to grow. The tea becomes deeper, fuller, and increasingly engaging. By the third infusion, stronger vegetal notes emerge alongside a pleasantly bitter profile that feels energetic rather than aggressive. The tea begins to reveal the strength hidden within these mature leaves.

Subsequent infusions develop into a rich and penetrating explosion of flavours. Delicate woody nuances appear around the edges of the palate, while sweetness, bitterness, and light astringency weave together into a profile that feels unmistakably connected to old tea trees. There is purity, depth, and an authenticity that is difficult to describe yet immediately recognizable.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this Huang Pian is the contrast it presents. On one hand, its freshness, brightness, and lively bitterness can evoke the feeling of a spring green tea. On the other, it possesses the depth, body, and energetic presence that only ancient tea trees can provide. The result is a tea that feels both youthful and mature at the same time.

Traditionally, Huang Pian consists of the larger, more mature leaves carefully sorted from the harvest before tea is pressed into puerh cakes. The name “yellow leaves” can be somewhat misleading, as these leaves are not necessarily yellow because of processing. Rather, they are older and larger leaves that often display a lighter yellow-green appearance than the younger buds selected for premium grades. Historically separated because of appearance rather than quality, Huang Pian has gradually earned recognition as a category worthy of appreciation in its own right.

When sourced from ancient tea trees, Huang Pian often reveals surprising sweetness, complexity, and longevity. Many experienced tea drinkers value it not as a lesser grade, but as a unique and authentic expression of old tea trees. This particular blend goes one step further, combining the Huang Pian from three extraordinary single-tree harvests into a tea that is unlikely to ever be replicated in exactly the same way again.

For those willing to explore beyond conventional grades, this tea offers a rare opportunity to experience ancient tea trees from a different perspective—one that is vibrant, refreshing, energetic, and deeply rewarding.