• Loose leaf Golden Needle black tea made from golden buds in Yunnan, China
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Golden Needle

Golden Needle

Golden Needle is a rare Yunnan black tea made from the region’s youngest autumn buds. Carefully oxidised to a golden hue, it produces a smooth, rounded cup with natural caramel and dark chocolate notes. This tea celebrates the artistry of traditional Chinese processing and offers a refined, memorable tasting experience in every brew.

£9.40 GBP
£9.40 GBP
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Delivery & returns

As standard we offer a signed for delivery with Royal Mail. This means that you need to be in when the order is delivered - and as such it can be easier to list a daytime address such as work as the Shipping Address.
The signed for option that we prefer for our deliveries, allow us to track the consignment should we want to know its whereabouts.

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Full Description

Golden Needle is a standout black tea from Yunnan, crafted using only the youngest buds of the tea plant, traditionally reserved for white or green teas. Picked during the autumn harvest, these buds take on a natural golden colour as they are carefully oxidised, resulting in a liquor that is visually striking, full-bodied, and aromatic with rich caramel and dark chocolate notes.

The tea’s smooth, rounded character is achieved through minimal handling and a focus on precision during processing. Leaves are lightly withered and oxidised just enough to bring out their inherent sweetness and aroma, without masking the delicate natural qualities. No flavourings or blending are added; the complexity of Golden Needle comes entirely from the craftsmanship of the pluck and the oxidisation process.

This tea is an excellent choice for those exploring lighter, nuanced black teas or for anyone interested in how careful processing transforms delicate buds into a full-bodied black tea with depth, sweetness, and clarity. Golden Needle stands out in our Chinese collection as a refined, sophisticated tea for thoughtful brewing.

Origin

Golden Needle comes from Ning’er County in Yunnan Province, China. The region’s high-altitude plantations, fertile soils, and humid, temperate climate create optimal conditions for producing fine black teas. Yunnan’s tea-growing traditions span centuries, and the area is renowned for its ability to cultivate teas that balance smooth body with aromatic richness.

The tea is harvested from young, carefully selected bud shoots, which are prized for their natural sweetness and delicate texture. The autumn harvest allows these buds to fully develop their flavour and colour, producing a black tea with a distinct golden hue and nuanced profile.

Processing

The young buds of Golden Needle are hand-plucked and subjected to a carefully controlled withering and oxidation process. Minimal handling preserves the structure and integrity of the leaf, allowing the golden shoots to retain their shape while developing flavour complexity.

Oxidation is closely monitored to ensure a smooth, rounded liquor with naturally developed caramel and dark chocolate notes. This careful processing highlights the delicate balance between the sweetness and body of the tea, producing a refined black tea that is both visually striking and rich in flavour.

Brewing guidelines

Use 1g per 100ml water.

Temperature: 95°C.

Infuse for 4 minutes

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