What Is Golden Tips Tea?
Golden Tips is among the rarest and most celebrated orthodox teas harvested in the Himalayan hills of Nepal. Unlike standard whole-leaf teas which blend leaves and buds, genuine Golden Tips consists almost exclusively of the unopened terminal leaf buds (tips).
During processing, the delicate downy trichome hairs that coat the bud absorb essential oils and gently oxidize into a striking golden-amber hue.
The Labor-Intensive Harvest
Producing a single kilogram of finished Golden Tips requires hand-plucking tens of thousands of individual unopened bud shoots before the dawn sun dries the morning mist. This harvest can only occur over a brief window of a few weeks during peak spring and summer flushes, making micro-lots intensely coveted among international collectors.
Tasting Notes and Liquor Color
In the cup, Golden Tips yields a brilliant luminous amber-red liquor with virtually zero astringency.
- Aroma: Dried apricots, wildflower nectar, and dark cocoa.
- Flavor: Silky sweet entrance with layers of wildflower honey, baked plum, warm brioche, and a sweet lingering finish that coats the palate for minutes.
Connoisseur Brewing Guide
- Ratio: 2.5g of tips per 150ml water.
- Water Temperature: 88°C to 90°C.
- Steep Duration: 3 to 4 minutes.
- Tasting Suggestion: Use small porcelain cups to concentrate the delicate vapor bouquet.