ROLLING THUNDER
BIHAR DOKE OOLONG
WULONG
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Doke Tea Estate, Bihar, India
Rolling Thunder is a distinctive wulong-style tea from Doke Tea Estate, crafted from Assamica cultivars. This tea combines traditional wulong processing techniques with robust Indian leaf material, creating a unique and expressive profile. It is valued for its smooth texture, depth, and a layered character with notes of fruit, spice, and gentle sweetness. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, floral
TASTE
Honey
CULTIVAR: Assamica TV 25 / TV 26
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
WULONG
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Doke Tea Estate, Bihar, India
Rolling Thunder is a distinctive wulong-style tea from Doke Tea Estate, crafted from Assamica cultivars. This tea combines traditional wulong processing techniques with robust Indian leaf material, creating a unique and expressive profile. It is valued for its smooth texture, depth, and a layered character with notes of fruit, spice, and gentle sweetness. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, floral
TASTE
Honey
CULTIVAR: Assamica TV 25 / TV 26
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
WULONG TEA is one of the most diverse and technologically sophisticated categories of tea, occupying a unique position between green and red (black) tea. Through partial oxidation and complex processing techniques, wulong tea develops an extraordinary range of aromas and flavors while preserving a rich concentration of naturally occurring polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and aromatic compounds.
The degree of oxidation in wulong tea can vary significantly, from lightly oxidized floral styles to heavily roasted and deeply oxidized examples. This diversity allows wulong tea to combine the freshness and vitality often associated with green tea with the depth and richness characteristic of red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of wulong tea may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, improve mental alertness and concentration, and help reduce physical and emotional fatigue. Traditionally, wulong tea has also been appreciated for its ability to promote digestion, create a feeling of balance and clarity, and support a calm yet focused state of mind.
The degree of oxidation in wulong tea can vary significantly, from lightly oxidized floral styles to heavily roasted and deeply oxidized examples. This diversity allows wulong tea to combine the freshness and vitality often associated with green tea with the depth and richness characteristic of red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of wulong tea may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, improve mental alertness and concentration, and help reduce physical and emotional fatigue. Traditionally, wulong tea has also been appreciated for its ability to promote digestion, create a feeling of balance and clarity, and support a calm yet focused state of mind.
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).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
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
Rolling Thunder is a wulong-style tea produced at Doke Tea Estate, in India. It is crafted from Assamica cultivars TV 25 and TV 26, known for their strong structure and expressive aromatic potential. This combination of Indian tea plant material with wulong-style processing creates a distinctive and unconventional profile.
The production follows a wulong-inspired method, including withering, controlled oxidation, fixation, rolling, and drying. The oxidation level is carefully balanced to develop complexity while preserving clarity and freshness. The use of Assamica leaf material results in a more robust structure compared to classical wulong teas, contributing to both body and depth.
Doke Tea Estate was established in the 1980s by the Doke family, who were inspired by the potential for cultivating tea in the region. The estate covers approximately 200 acres and has been dedicated to producing high-quality tea since its inception. The estate's founder, Rajiv Ranjan Doke, initially experimented with various tea cultivars, ultimately settling on plants that best suited the estate's unique terroir. Over the years, Doke Tea Estate has gained recognition for its commitment to organic farming practices, sustainability, and innovation in tea production. The estate has earned numerous domestic and international accolades for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavors, establishing itself as a prestigious entity in the global tea market.
Rolling Thunder occupies a unique position within modern tea production as an experimental interpretation of wulong processing outside its traditional regions. It is valued for its smooth texture, structural strength, and layered aromatic expression. The tea reflects both the characteristics of the Assamica cultivars and the innovative approach of Doke Tea Estate.
TERROIR
Rolling Thunder is cultivated at Doke Tea Estate, located in Bihar, within India. The region lies in a warm subtropical zone with hot summers, moderate winters, and seasonal rainfall influenced by monsoon patterns. These conditions create a dynamic environment for tea cultivation, supporting steady plant growth and the development of robust leaf material.
The terrain consists of lowland plains with fertile, alluvial soils formed by nearby river systems. These soils are rich in minerals and organic matter, providing a strong nutrient base that supports vigorous growth of Assamica cultivars such as TV 25 and TV 26. This contributes to the density and structural strength of the leaves, which is essential for partial oxidation processing. Microclimate plays an important role, particularly during early harvest periods, with morning humidity, stable temperatures, and consistent sunlight exposure regulating plant metabolism. Compared to high-altitude regions, the leaves develop more quickly, resulting in a fuller body and more pronounced structure. The balance between amino acids and polyphenols supports both sweetness and depth.
Another important aspect is the interaction between terroir and processing style. The robust composition of leaves grown in Bihar allows them to respond well to wulong-style oxidation, developing both aromatic complexity and structural integrity. This integration ensures that the final tea expresses both the character of the Indian plains and the innovation of wulong-inspired craftsmanship.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf is semi-rolled with a slightly twisted and open structure, showing dark brown to deep copper tones typical of Assamica material and partial oxidation. The aroma of the dry leaves is bold and expressive, with notes of ripe fruit, honey, warm spice, and a subtle cocoa nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves open quickly from the first infusion, releasing a rich aromatic profile where fruity sweetness is supported by gentle spice and a soft roasted undertone. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining dried fruit notes with a smooth, rounded depth.
The aroma of the liquor is full and layered, with a harmonious combination of fruit, spice, and light sweetness. The taste is smooth and structured, with a medium to full body and a slightly viscous texture. A pronounced natural sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by notes of ripe fruit, light cocoa, and a mild, well-integrated astringency that adds definition. The Assamica origin contributes depth and strength without overwhelming balance. The aftertaste is long and warming, with a returning sweetness and a subtle spicy-cocoa finish. In the empty cup after drinking, a rich fruity and slightly sweet aroma remains, leaving a deep and memorable final impression.
Rolling Thunder is a wulong-style tea produced at Doke Tea Estate, in India. It is crafted from Assamica cultivars TV 25 and TV 26, known for their strong structure and expressive aromatic potential. This combination of Indian tea plant material with wulong-style processing creates a distinctive and unconventional profile.
The production follows a wulong-inspired method, including withering, controlled oxidation, fixation, rolling, and drying. The oxidation level is carefully balanced to develop complexity while preserving clarity and freshness. The use of Assamica leaf material results in a more robust structure compared to classical wulong teas, contributing to both body and depth.
Doke Tea Estate was established in the 1980s by the Doke family, who were inspired by the potential for cultivating tea in the region. The estate covers approximately 200 acres and has been dedicated to producing high-quality tea since its inception. The estate's founder, Rajiv Ranjan Doke, initially experimented with various tea cultivars, ultimately settling on plants that best suited the estate's unique terroir. Over the years, Doke Tea Estate has gained recognition for its commitment to organic farming practices, sustainability, and innovation in tea production. The estate has earned numerous domestic and international accolades for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavors, establishing itself as a prestigious entity in the global tea market.
Rolling Thunder occupies a unique position within modern tea production as an experimental interpretation of wulong processing outside its traditional regions. It is valued for its smooth texture, structural strength, and layered aromatic expression. The tea reflects both the characteristics of the Assamica cultivars and the innovative approach of Doke Tea Estate.
TERROIR
Rolling Thunder is cultivated at Doke Tea Estate, located in Bihar, within India. The region lies in a warm subtropical zone with hot summers, moderate winters, and seasonal rainfall influenced by monsoon patterns. These conditions create a dynamic environment for tea cultivation, supporting steady plant growth and the development of robust leaf material.
The terrain consists of lowland plains with fertile, alluvial soils formed by nearby river systems. These soils are rich in minerals and organic matter, providing a strong nutrient base that supports vigorous growth of Assamica cultivars such as TV 25 and TV 26. This contributes to the density and structural strength of the leaves, which is essential for partial oxidation processing. Microclimate plays an important role, particularly during early harvest periods, with morning humidity, stable temperatures, and consistent sunlight exposure regulating plant metabolism. Compared to high-altitude regions, the leaves develop more quickly, resulting in a fuller body and more pronounced structure. The balance between amino acids and polyphenols supports both sweetness and depth.
Another important aspect is the interaction between terroir and processing style. The robust composition of leaves grown in Bihar allows them to respond well to wulong-style oxidation, developing both aromatic complexity and structural integrity. This integration ensures that the final tea expresses both the character of the Indian plains and the innovation of wulong-inspired craftsmanship.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf is semi-rolled with a slightly twisted and open structure, showing dark brown to deep copper tones typical of Assamica material and partial oxidation. The aroma of the dry leaves is bold and expressive, with notes of ripe fruit, honey, warm spice, and a subtle cocoa nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves open quickly from the first infusion, releasing a rich aromatic profile where fruity sweetness is supported by gentle spice and a soft roasted undertone. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining dried fruit notes with a smooth, rounded depth.
The aroma of the liquor is full and layered, with a harmonious combination of fruit, spice, and light sweetness. The taste is smooth and structured, with a medium to full body and a slightly viscous texture. A pronounced natural sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by notes of ripe fruit, light cocoa, and a mild, well-integrated astringency that adds definition. The Assamica origin contributes depth and strength without overwhelming balance. The aftertaste is long and warming, with a returning sweetness and a subtle spicy-cocoa finish. In the empty cup after drinking, a rich fruity and slightly sweet aroma remains, leaving a deep and memorable final impression.
WULONG
Explore more Wulong Teas from AN SHIM TEA Collection.