ABOUT
2013 FOGGY PEAK is a traditional Taiwanese-style wulong tea produced in Mộc Châu, Sơn La province, Vietnam. It is crafted from high-altitude material using classical oxidation and roasting techniques, reflecting a refined interpretation of Taiwanese wulong tradition outside its original region. The tea combines the character of local terroir with a precise and experienced approach to processing.
This tea is created by our long-term partner, Master Hou, whose work represents some of the most refined Taiwanese-style wulongs produced in Vietnam. Our relationship, developed over many years, allows us to access rare and exceptional batches, and this particular tea was one of the most remarkable discoveries during our 2019 tea expedition. It reflects both his craftsmanship and our shared vision of quality and authenticity.
After its initial production in 2013, the tea was professionally aged until 2024 under controlled conditions. During this period, it gradually developed a deeper and more integrated character, gaining stability, smoothness, and complexity. The result is a mature tea that expresses both the original structure of the leaf and the depth achieved through long-term aging.
TERROIR
This tea is cultivated in the highland plateau, at elevations generally above 1,000 meters. This mountain environment is characterized by a cool climate, frequent mist, high humidity, and pronounced day–night temperature variation. These conditions slow the growth of the tea plants, allowing for gradual accumulation of aromatic compounds while maintaining structural balance in the leaves.
The terrain consists of gently sloping plateaus with well-drained soils rich in minerals and organic matter. These soils provide a stable nutrient base, supporting steady plant development and contributing to the density and resilience of the leaf material. The combination of altitude and soil composition results in a concentrated raw material suitable for both traditional processing and long-term aging. Microclimate plays a defining role, with diffused sunlight, cloud cover, and consistent air movement regulating plant metabolism. This leads to a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, forming the foundation for both sweetness and structure. Compared to lower elevations, the slower growth cycle produces leaves with greater depth and stability.
Another important aspect is the interaction between terroir and aging potential. The composition of leaves grown in Mộc Châu allows them to withstand extended storage and gradual transformation over time. This ensures that the final tea expresses both the highland character of the region and the maturity developed through more than a decade of professional aging.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf is tightly rolled into compact pellets, showing deep brown to dark olive tones with a matte surface, reflecting both oxidation and long-term aging. The aroma of the dry leaves is rich and mature, with notes of dried fruit, roasted nuts, honey, and a soft woody nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves release a deep and layered aromatic profile from the first infusion, where caramelized and roasted tones are supported by gentle residual floral sweetness. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining dried fruit, light spice, and a smooth, slightly creamy depth.
The aroma of the liquor is full and rounded, with a harmonious combination of roasted, fruity, and lightly sweet notes. The taste is smooth and structured, with a medium to full body and a refined, slightly viscous texture. A deep natural sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by notes of dried fruit, light caramel, and soft wood, with almost no astringency. The aging is reflected in the stability and integration of the flavor, offering depth without heaviness. The aftertaste is long and warming, with a persistent sweetness and a subtle woody-caramel finish. In the empty cup after drinking, a delicate roasted and slightly sweet aroma remains, leaving a calm and refined final impression.