This month’s tea of the month is the extremely rare and exclusive Special Formosa from our super premium Gourmet Collection. This is an unusual green tea from the famous tea producing island, Taiwan.

When Portuguese explorers first set eyes on what we now know as Taiwan, they called it ‘Ihla Formosa’, meaning beautiful island. Taiwan has a long and complex history, and a similarly complex past with tea, but it is known today as one of the premier tea producing regions of the world.

Many empires have claimed Taiwan as their own, but it was the Dutch who are responsible for building the foundations of tea production on the island. The Dutch played a large role in trade between Europe and Asia for over two hundred years. Upon arriving at Taiwan in 1623, they quickly saw the potential as a trade hub as well as a source of valuable commodities.

The Dutch welcomed immigrants from nearby Fujian, China, one of the most historic tea producing regions of the world. With them, these immigrants brought tea and the culture of drinking tea. Tea production didn’t start in earnest until the 19th century when China had expelled the Dutch and controlled Taiwan. The supply of migrants from Fujian provided the skilled workforce as well as the seedlings to cultivate and produce high quality tea.

Tea soon became a major export for Taiwan and the quality was recognised internationally, it was sold under the name ‘Formosa’. Taiwan is relatively small and mountainous, making it difficult to grow tea in many areas. Thanks to the difficulties of high altitude and steep terrain, the tea grown here is extremely fragrant and complex. Thanks to the high quality and deep passion for tea in Taiwan, only a very small amount is made available internationally.

Our Special Formosa sits in our Gourmet Collection, a range of some of the most exquisite teas in the world. We work with the top tea gardens in Taiwan to create this spring picked green tea. Taiwan is famed for its high quality oolongs, which make up the overwhelming majority of tea produced here - meaning this green tea is particularly rare and sought after. The silvery jade leaves are skilfully rolled in the style of 'Pi Lo Chun' or 'spring green snail' - named after the way the coiled leaves resemble a snail's shell.

The unique terroir and the craft that goes into making this tea makes our Special Formosa a wonderfully light and delicate cup, enchantingly fragrant with honey sweetness. This is the perfect tea to treat yourself and indulge your senses. Our Gourmet Collection presented in jewel toned metal caddies, making them the ideal gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Special Formosa Tasting Notes