Cultivar #18 was developed in Taiwan by crossing native wild tea with Burmese Assamica, producing a leaf uniquely suited to the warm, humid climate surrounding Sun Moon Lake. This terroir encourages large, thick leaves rich in aromatic oils and natural sugars.
When fully oxidized, these leaves express a distinctive profile unlike other black teas: bold yet refined, with natural sweetness and cooling spice. The chemistry of the cultivar yields high levels of terpenes that create its signature mint and cinnamon character.
The liquor is deep amber and fragrant, opening with notes of malt, honey, and warm spice. As the tea unfolds, flavors of cinnamon, clove, and subtle wintergreen emerge, supported by a smooth, full-bodied sweetness that lingers cleanly and refreshingly on the palate.
How Much Tea Do I Need?
Amount
1.7 oz (50g)
XS
3.5 oz (100g)
XS
Amount
TOTAL POTS
AMOUNTS TO
1.7 oz (50g)
6 - 7 POTS
1 POT OF TEA PER WEEK
3.5 oz (100g)
10 - 12 POTS
1 POT OF TEA EVERY OTHER DAY
* Based on 8 grams of tea per pot, and calculated for a month's worth of enjoying.
Artisan Tea
Made with love.
Our Offering
Depth and warmth meet in this limited-harvest Sun Moon Lake Black Tea.
Hand-picked from small gardens in Taiwan’s Nantou County, each leaf is carefully rolled and fully oxidized to create a smooth, amber liquor with notes of wood, spice, and gentle sweetness.
Sun Moon Lake is a tea that invites stillness — best enjoyed slowly, as the day settles and the mind unwinds. Every cup is a quiet reflection of its mountain home: steady, grounded, and full of calm energy.
Offered exclusively through our preorder campaign, this tea represents a direct connection between master craftsmanship and your table. Backers help fund this season’s sourcing and packaging run — all orders are submitted to the Tea Master once sales close and shipped immediately to your doorstep.
Background of the tea
Sun Moon Lake (日月潭, Rì Yuè Tán) sits in the heart of Taiwan’s Nantou County — a region known for its still waters, gentle fog, and rich red soil that gives its black tea a naturally sweet depth.
The tea grown here traces its lineage to the Assamica variety, brought to Taiwan in the early 20th century and later cultivated into unique local hybrids prized for their smooth, honeyed flavor and reddish liquor. Today, Sun Moon Lake teas are considered the crown jewel of Taiwanese black teas — rich, aromatic, and full of character.
Each batch reflects the quiet beauty of its origin: warm mountain air, fertile earth, and the patient craft of generations who’ve made this region synonymous with quality and care.
Brewing Guide
•. Leaf ratio: 1 g tea / 50 mL water (≈ 4 g per 6 oz cup)
