120/80
ANCIENT TREE RED TEA
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE / WILD TEA
Xà Phìn, Hà Giàng, Vietnam
120/80 is our signature red tea produced from ancient tea tree material harvested in the remote mountain forests of Northern Vietnam. Traditionally crafted with attention to detail, sun-dried and stone-pressed into 200 g cakes, this tea combines remarkable depth, sweetness, and complexity with the elegance of classical red tea. The infusion is rich, smooth, and highly expressive, revealing notes of wild honey, dried fruits, cocoa, warm spices, and mineral sweetness. MORE
GOLD MEDAL at THE GOLDEN LEAF AWARDS 2025
"Black tea: Best Single Origin Worldwide"
200 g cake
AROMA
Cacao, nutty
TASTE
Woody, chocolate
350-500 years old trees
ALTITUDE: 1300+ m
HARVEST: Spring, 2026
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE / WILD TEA
Xà Phìn, Hà Giàng, Vietnam
120/80 is our signature red tea produced from ancient tea tree material harvested in the remote mountain forests of Northern Vietnam. Traditionally crafted with attention to detail, sun-dried and stone-pressed into 200 g cakes, this tea combines remarkable depth, sweetness, and complexity with the elegance of classical red tea. The infusion is rich, smooth, and highly expressive, revealing notes of wild honey, dried fruits, cocoa, warm spices, and mineral sweetness. MORE
GOLD MEDAL at THE GOLDEN LEAF AWARDS 2025
"Black tea: Best Single Origin Worldwide"
200 g cake
AROMA
Cacao, nutty
TASTE
Woody, chocolate
350-500 years old trees
ALTITUDE: 1300+ m
HARVEST: Spring, 2026
RED (BLACK) TEA is one of the most widely consumed and appreciated tea categories in the world. Due to its high level of oxidation and carefully controlled production process, this type of tea develops a rich concentration of aromatic compounds while preserving valuable polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that contribute to both its distinctive flavor and beneficial properties.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
WILD TEA
Wild tea refers to plants that grow naturally in the forest or mountains without human planting, pruning, or care. These trees are very old, deeply rooted in the earth, and part of a diverse natural ecosystem. These are tall, old trees, some more than 100, 300, or even 1000+ years old, rooted deep into mineral-rich soil, thriving in diverse ecosystems. Wild tea trees grow tall and strong, with roots reaching deep into the earth. This allows them to absorb various minerals, creating complex, full-bodied flavors that change with each harvest. Growing in remote forests, these trees are untouched by pesticides or fertilizers. Many tea lovers say wild teas carry a unique energy, a grounding, calming, and sometimes uplifting presence. This is believed to be the "Qi" of the mountains, the life force of ancient trees, passed into the leaves. Wild tea is often high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals. Because these trees grow slowly and absorb nutrients naturally, their leaves produce clean, nourishing brews that are gentle on the body but rich in effect.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
120/80 is one of the most personal and important teas in the history of AN SHIM TEA PRODUCTION. Produced from ancient tea tree material harvested in Lùng Vài, Hà Giàng, Vietnam, it reflects everything we love about this remarkable tea-growing region. For many years, Lùng Vài has remained our favorite tea area in Hà Giàng Province, consistently producing teas with exceptional balance, sweetness, depth, and character.
The story of 120/80 began in 2018 during our second Vietnam Tea Experience Tour. At that time, our founder decided to begin a series of production experiments focused on creating traditionally made red tea from ancient tea tree material with sufficient structure and quality to benefit from long-term aging. Rather than producing a conventional loose-leaf tea, the decision was made to press the tea into 200 g cakes, creating a format more commonly associated with Pu'Er tea. Since then, this limited production has been continued every year, gradually becoming one of the signature projects.
The name 120/80 was chosen to celebrate one of tea's most appreciated qualities: its ability to bring balance and harmony into everyday life. The numbers refer to what is commonly considered an ideal human blood pressure reading and pulse condition, symbolizing physical balance, stability, and well-being. Through this name, we hoped to draw attention to tea not only as a beverage of pleasure and culture but also as a drink that has long been associated with healthy living, mindfulness, and longevity.
120/80 is one of the most personal and important teas in the history of AN SHIM TEA PRODUCTION. Produced from ancient tea tree material harvested in Lùng Vài, Hà Giàng, Vietnam, it reflects everything we love about this remarkable tea-growing region. For many years, Lùng Vài has remained our favorite tea area in Hà Giàng Province, consistently producing teas with exceptional balance, sweetness, depth, and character.
The story of 120/80 began in 2018 during our second Vietnam Tea Experience Tour. At that time, our founder decided to begin a series of production experiments focused on creating traditionally made red tea from ancient tea tree material with sufficient structure and quality to benefit from long-term aging. Rather than producing a conventional loose-leaf tea, the decision was made to press the tea into 200 g cakes, creating a format more commonly associated with Pu'Er tea. Since then, this limited production has been continued every year, gradually becoming one of the signature projects.
The name 120/80 was chosen to celebrate one of tea's most appreciated qualities: its ability to bring balance and harmony into everyday life. The numbers refer to what is commonly considered an ideal human blood pressure reading and pulse condition, symbolizing physical balance, stability, and well-being. Through this name, we hoped to draw attention to tea not only as a beverage of pleasure and culture but also as a drink that has long been associated with healthy living, mindfulness, and longevity.
The tea itself is produced from carefully selected ancient tea tree material harvested by local ethnic minority communities who have worked with these mountain tea forests for generations. The leaves are traditionally processed at our factory in the mountains of Hà Giàng Province, where every stage of production is carried out with great care and attention to detail. One of the defining features of 120/80 is its natural sun-drying process. Unlike modern industrial drying methods, sun-drying helps preserve the living character of the tea, contributes to its distinctive flavor profile, and creates the foundation necessary for long-term aging and gradual development over time.
After production, the tea is pressed into 200 g cakes. This format not only helps preserve the tea during storage and transportation but also creates favorable conditions for slow maturation. Over time, the compressed leaves gradually integrate and evolve, developing additional depth, smoothness, and complexity.
In 2025, 120/80 received international recognition when it was awarded a Gold Medal at The Golden Leaf Awards 2025 in the category "Black Tea: Best Single Origin Worldwide." For us, this achievement represents much more than a competition result. It serves as a confirmation of our belief in traditional production methods, exceptional ancient tree material, and the remarkable potential of Vietnamese tea. We have always believed this tea was special, and this recognition became a meaningful milestone in the ongoing story of a tea that continues to embody our passion, dedication, and respect for authentic tea craftsmanship.
After production, the tea is pressed into 200 g cakes. This format not only helps preserve the tea during storage and transportation but also creates favorable conditions for slow maturation. Over time, the compressed leaves gradually integrate and evolve, developing additional depth, smoothness, and complexity.
In 2025, 120/80 received international recognition when it was awarded a Gold Medal at The Golden Leaf Awards 2025 in the category "Black Tea: Best Single Origin Worldwide." For us, this achievement represents much more than a competition result. It serves as a confirmation of our belief in traditional production methods, exceptional ancient tree material, and the remarkable potential of Vietnamese tea. We have always believed this tea was special, and this recognition became a meaningful milestone in the ongoing story of a tea that continues to embody our passion, dedication, and respect for authentic tea craftsmanship.
TERROIR
Hà Giàng Province, located in the far north of Vietnam along the border with China, is one of the country's most important tea-producing regions and home to some of Southeast Asia's oldest tea trees. The region's high elevations, ranging from 1,000 to over 2,000 meters above sea level, combined with frequent mountain mists, abundant rainfall, rich soils, and significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations, create ideal conditions for producing teas of exceptional complexity, sweetness, minerality, and aging potential.
Hà Giàng is particularly famous for its Shan Tuyết tea trees, a unique Vietnamese tea variety often referred to as "Snow Mountain Tea." Many of these ancient trees grow naturally in remote mountain forests, where their deep root systems absorb nutrients and minerals from multiple geological layers. Harvested by local ethnic minority communities using traditional methods, Shan Tuyết teas are celebrated for their floral aromas, honey-like sweetness, rich texture, vibrant mountain character, and long-lasting aftertaste, making Hà Giàng one of the most respected tea terroirs in Vietnam.
One of the region's most renowned tea-sourcing villages is Xà Phìn, located at an altitude of approximately 1,300-1,600 meters above sea level. Surrounded by pristine forests and home to numerous ancient Shan Tuyết tea trees, the village has become known for preserving traditional tea cultivation passed down through generations. Teas from Xà Phìn are particularly valued for their refined floral aroma, pronounced sweetness, silky texture, vibrant minerality, and exceptional balance, making the village one of the finest expressions of Hà Giàng's remarkable tea heritage.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves display a beautiful mixture of large tree leaves and golden buds, carefully compressed into traditional cake shape. The aroma of the dry leaf is deep, rich, and highly expressive, offering notes of wild honey, dried apricots, cacao, ripe dates, baked fruits, warm spices, and sweet wood. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma expands, revealing additional layers of forest honey, dark raisins, roasted nuts, vanilla, cinnamon, caramelized sugar, and delicate floral undertones. As the leaves awaken, the aromatic profile becomes increasingly complex and refined, displaying the remarkable depth characteristic of ancient tea tree material.
The liquor is bright, clear, and luminous, displaying a rich amber-red color with golden reflections. The aroma of the infusion is warm, elegant, and highly layered, combining notes of wild honey, dried fruits, baked apples, cacao, sweet spices, roasted nuts, and subtle woody nuances. The texture is exceptionally smooth, thick, and silky, coating the palate with richness while maintaining remarkable clarity and balance. The taste opens with pronounced natural sweetness before gradually revealing layers of honey, dried apricots, dates, raisins, caramel, dark chocolate, baked fruits, cinnamon, and mineral undertones. The ancient tree material provides remarkable structure and persistence, while the traditional processing and sun-drying contribute additional complexity and depth. Throughout multiple infusions, the tea continues to evolve, revealing new aromatic dimensions while preserving its harmony, sweetness, and elegant character.
The aftertaste is long, sweet, and warming, leaving lingering impressions of forest honey, dried fruits, cacao, and mineral sweetness in the mouth and throat. As the session progresses, the tea develops increasing smoothness and integration. In the empty cup, the aroma remains intensely fragrant, revealing lingering notes of wild honey, vanilla, dried apricots, dark raisins, sweet wood, cacao, and delicate spice nuances.
For experienced tea lovers, 120/80 is already rewarding as a standalone tea, requiring no accompaniment to fully appreciate its complexity. However, its remarkable balance between power and elegance allows it to perform exceptionally well in restaurant-style tea pairings and refined gastronomic settings. Whether enjoyed through multiple Gongfu infusions or prepared in a larger teapot, the tea demonstrates a rare ability to complement food while retaining its own distinct identity.
GASTRONOMY
120/80 is an exceptionally versatile gastronomic tea whose richness, natural sweetness, and layered complexity allow it to accompany a wide range of both sweet and savory dishes. Its notes of wild honey, dried fruits, cacao, and warm spices pair beautifully with baked pastries, honey cakes, fruit tarts, chocolate desserts, cinnamon rolls, almond pastries, and desserts featuring dried fruits or nuts. The tea's natural sweetness enhances these flavors while maintaining remarkable balance and elegance on the palate.
The structure and depth provided by the ancient tea tree material also make 120/80 an excellent companion for savory cuisine. Mature cheeses, roasted poultry, duck, smoked meats, mushroom-based dishes, roasted root vegetables, and traditional Asian preparations pair naturally with its rich texture and complex aromatic profile. The tea's sweetness softens savory elements while its mineral character and subtle tannic structure help cleanse the palate between bites.
Particularly during colder seasons, 120/80 becomes a natural companion to comforting meals and slow gatherings around the table. Its warming character, long-lasting sweetness, and rich aromatic profile create a sense of comfort and depth that perfectly reflects the noble character of ancient tea tree material. Like the finest gastronomic teas, it does not compete with food but rather elevates the entire experience, creating harmony between tea, cuisine, and the people sharing the moment together.
Hà Giàng Province, located in the far north of Vietnam along the border with China, is one of the country's most important tea-producing regions and home to some of Southeast Asia's oldest tea trees. The region's high elevations, ranging from 1,000 to over 2,000 meters above sea level, combined with frequent mountain mists, abundant rainfall, rich soils, and significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations, create ideal conditions for producing teas of exceptional complexity, sweetness, minerality, and aging potential.
Hà Giàng is particularly famous for its Shan Tuyết tea trees, a unique Vietnamese tea variety often referred to as "Snow Mountain Tea." Many of these ancient trees grow naturally in remote mountain forests, where their deep root systems absorb nutrients and minerals from multiple geological layers. Harvested by local ethnic minority communities using traditional methods, Shan Tuyết teas are celebrated for their floral aromas, honey-like sweetness, rich texture, vibrant mountain character, and long-lasting aftertaste, making Hà Giàng one of the most respected tea terroirs in Vietnam.
One of the region's most renowned tea-sourcing villages is Xà Phìn, located at an altitude of approximately 1,300-1,600 meters above sea level. Surrounded by pristine forests and home to numerous ancient Shan Tuyết tea trees, the village has become known for preserving traditional tea cultivation passed down through generations. Teas from Xà Phìn are particularly valued for their refined floral aroma, pronounced sweetness, silky texture, vibrant minerality, and exceptional balance, making the village one of the finest expressions of Hà Giàng's remarkable tea heritage.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves display a beautiful mixture of large tree leaves and golden buds, carefully compressed into traditional cake shape. The aroma of the dry leaf is deep, rich, and highly expressive, offering notes of wild honey, dried apricots, cacao, ripe dates, baked fruits, warm spices, and sweet wood. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma expands, revealing additional layers of forest honey, dark raisins, roasted nuts, vanilla, cinnamon, caramelized sugar, and delicate floral undertones. As the leaves awaken, the aromatic profile becomes increasingly complex and refined, displaying the remarkable depth characteristic of ancient tea tree material.
The liquor is bright, clear, and luminous, displaying a rich amber-red color with golden reflections. The aroma of the infusion is warm, elegant, and highly layered, combining notes of wild honey, dried fruits, baked apples, cacao, sweet spices, roasted nuts, and subtle woody nuances. The texture is exceptionally smooth, thick, and silky, coating the palate with richness while maintaining remarkable clarity and balance. The taste opens with pronounced natural sweetness before gradually revealing layers of honey, dried apricots, dates, raisins, caramel, dark chocolate, baked fruits, cinnamon, and mineral undertones. The ancient tree material provides remarkable structure and persistence, while the traditional processing and sun-drying contribute additional complexity and depth. Throughout multiple infusions, the tea continues to evolve, revealing new aromatic dimensions while preserving its harmony, sweetness, and elegant character.
The aftertaste is long, sweet, and warming, leaving lingering impressions of forest honey, dried fruits, cacao, and mineral sweetness in the mouth and throat. As the session progresses, the tea develops increasing smoothness and integration. In the empty cup, the aroma remains intensely fragrant, revealing lingering notes of wild honey, vanilla, dried apricots, dark raisins, sweet wood, cacao, and delicate spice nuances.
For experienced tea lovers, 120/80 is already rewarding as a standalone tea, requiring no accompaniment to fully appreciate its complexity. However, its remarkable balance between power and elegance allows it to perform exceptionally well in restaurant-style tea pairings and refined gastronomic settings. Whether enjoyed through multiple Gongfu infusions or prepared in a larger teapot, the tea demonstrates a rare ability to complement food while retaining its own distinct identity.
GASTRONOMY
120/80 is an exceptionally versatile gastronomic tea whose richness, natural sweetness, and layered complexity allow it to accompany a wide range of both sweet and savory dishes. Its notes of wild honey, dried fruits, cacao, and warm spices pair beautifully with baked pastries, honey cakes, fruit tarts, chocolate desserts, cinnamon rolls, almond pastries, and desserts featuring dried fruits or nuts. The tea's natural sweetness enhances these flavors while maintaining remarkable balance and elegance on the palate.
The structure and depth provided by the ancient tea tree material also make 120/80 an excellent companion for savory cuisine. Mature cheeses, roasted poultry, duck, smoked meats, mushroom-based dishes, roasted root vegetables, and traditional Asian preparations pair naturally with its rich texture and complex aromatic profile. The tea's sweetness softens savory elements while its mineral character and subtle tannic structure help cleanse the palate between bites.
Particularly during colder seasons, 120/80 becomes a natural companion to comforting meals and slow gatherings around the table. Its warming character, long-lasting sweetness, and rich aromatic profile create a sense of comfort and depth that perfectly reflects the noble character of ancient tea tree material. Like the finest gastronomic teas, it does not compete with food but rather elevates the entire experience, creating harmony between tea, cuisine, and the people sharing the moment together.
AN SHIM TEA PRODUCTION
Explore more teas crafted under the AN SHIM TEA PRODUCTION label, where each batch reflects direct involvement in sourcing, processing, and refinement. These teas are created from carefully selected raw material, and produced using both traditional and experimental methods.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.