As autumn blankets the world in fog and mist, there's a palpable shift in the air. The hills soften under grey veils, and the season invites us to pause, breathe, and warm ourselves with tea. Two teas capture this seasonal invitation beautifully: Old Tree Lapsang and Golden Water Turtle. These teas are more than beverages—they are companions for slowing down, listening, and embracing the subtle transformations of autumn.
Old Tree Lapsang: A Cup of Spiced Comfort
Harvested from ancient heirloom trees in the Wuyi Mountains, Old Tree Lapsang is a red tea that fills the cup with the essence of autumn. Its flavors of anise, cinnamon, and clove mirror the coziness of mulled cider. Each sip carries the warmth of childhood memories and the calm reassurance of a long-time friend.
This tea's subtle spiced notes support the season’s energy of letting go and making space for transformation. The Tea Peddler describes it as “full, confident, and endearing,” a tea that encourages you to slow down and honor the shifting days. When the fog rolls in, Old Tree Lapsang wraps you in a comforting presence that feels like a gentle farewell to the year’s activity.
Golden Water Turtle: The Roasted Depth of Rock Tea
For those who seek complexity and fire, Golden Water Turtle offers a layered journey. This traditional rock tea (yancha) undergoes three to four charcoal roastings, creating a taste that evolves with each steep. The first infusion crackles with a fiery sharpness, like a flame sparking to life. As the tea opens, it reveals notes of dark chocolate, honey, and a subtle peppery kick.
Golden Water Turtle is a tea of endurance and transformation. Its flavors weave together, reminding us of autumn’s layered beauty. Each steep invites you to explore further, to listen more deeply. The Tea Peddler describes this journey as “pure magic” by the third and fourth steeps—a moment when the fire and sweetness integrate seamlessly.
A Tea Ritual for Autumn Quietude
This season, let these teas inspire a simple ritual of quietude. Imagine this:
- A misty morning with a cup of Old Tree Lapsang, its spiced warmth settling into your hands and heart.
- An afternoon where Golden Water Turtle unfolds, its roasted depths accompanying you through moments of reading, writing, or simply watching the world slow down.
Allow the tea to guide you into stillness. With each sip, listen to the season, taste the stories, and find the joy in not rushing forward.
Discover the Beauty of Slowing Down
In a world that often moves too fast, these teas offer an invitation to pause. Old Tree Lapsang comforts, Golden Water Turtle reveals—both reward you for taking the time to listen. This autumn, let their warmth and complexity be your guide through the fog and into the heart of the season.