Our tea
Single-Estate Xinyang Maojian
Called Maojian, meaning fur tips in Chinese, for its distinctive furry exterior, the tea which we are centered around is a treasured manifestation of unique natural conditions, labor, and tradition. Unlike most green teas, Xinyang Maojian is hardly bitter or tannic. Its body features the subtle yet rich sweetness of toasted chestnut, and the finest expressions exhibit alpine wildflower characteristic of the high altitudes at which they are grown. Our Xinyang Maojian comes from one such grower, at over 600m above sea level from just 32 acres of land on the slopes of Mt. Cheyun.
At the estate, which is located entirely within an ecological conservation zone, wild bushes grow alongside deliberately planted rows, and our final product is a blend of both varietals. This blend produces a rustic yet elegant character that perfectly encapsulates our value of harmony between nature and craft.
Within Xinyang, Mt. Cheyun is the most prestigious growing region due to a combination of its northernmost placement, giving it the coldest average temperatures, and ideal soil, a loose sandy loam that is rich in essential minerals. The cold temperatures and near perpetual fog cover slows the growth of the leaves, concentrating their flavor. Being from just one estate, these qualities are able to be expressed in our leaves as terroir, which, much like in a quality wine, is the discernable character of a fine tea's place of origin.
Our tea is 100% 1st flush, meaning it is from the first pick of the harvest, lending freshness and tenderness to its taste. Traditionally, this is done before the Qingming Festival, falling around early spring each year. After harvest, our tea is processed the traditional way by hand. It is pan-fired and dried over charcoal to impart to it the distinct character of Xinyang Maojian. Finally, our loose leaf tea is packed in apportioned pouches to minimize oxidation, ensuring that each brew you enjoy reflects our careful intentions.
Our incense
Single Aromatic Woods, Handmade
Each of our incense offerings are made with just a single kind of treasured aromatic wood, with no distilled oils or synthetic fragrances. This allows the nature of the materials themselves to shine through, allowing you to savor the full complexity of each.
The hand behind the incense is a 16th generation master that works in the tradition of the Chinese intangible cultural heritage of incense making that stems from incense once burned for the purposes of imperial divination.
Careful attention is paid to the sourcing of these fine woods to ensure sustainability, quality, and provenance. Ranging from the jungles of Papua New Guinea and Nha Trang to the cliffsides of the Taihang Mountains in China, our incense features woods from many of the most storied incense producing locales.
