2021 milan dancong

Some teas are meant to be drunk. Others are meant to wait...

This Milan Dancong, harvested in 2021 and patiently aged for two years, was never forgotten. Re-roasted over charcoal in the late autumn of 2023, it now reveals the full extent of its quiet potential and reveal that a good tea can, through time, precision, and care, rise to a higher plane.

Upon infusion, a wave of aromatic complexity unfurls: notes of peppermint, eucalyptus, and a gentle hint of camphor rise from the cup — unmistakable markers of a well-aged Dancong.

On the palate, the liquor is almost full-bodied, smooth and satiny. The tannins are discreet yet present, offering structure while letting the elegance of this oolong shine through. The flavor builds gradually, revealing layers of ripe yellow fruits like peach, lush lychee, delicate gardenia blossom, and a lingering, honeyed note — the hallmark of expert roasting.

The finish is long, graceful, and persistent, coating the palate with a fine retro-olfaction that invites both meditation and pure enjoyment.

This tea is best savored on its own, particularly after a rich meal, as a refined and contemplative finale. For the adventurous, pair it with a well-aged Camembert: the creamy saltiness of the cheese creates an unexpected contrast that amplifies the tea’s floral and honeyed dimensions to create an harmony.