Singpho Phalap ( Bamboo Smoked Tea ) ( 15 Years Of Ageing )

DESCRIPTION

Phalap is a rare and traditional Indian tea that stands out from the mainstream teas in the country. It is uniquely packed into bamboo tubes, smoked, and undergoes post-fermentation for several years. Phalap is a unique tradition of the Singpho tribe in the state of Assam. The Singpho tribe is an indigenous community in Assam and is believed to have migrated from Myanmar several centuries ago. The Singpho people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their unique traditions, customs, and cuisine. Tea is an integral part of Singpho culture, and Singpho Phalap tea holds a special place in their hearts.

According to the production method, Phalap falls into the category of dark tea. The production process begins with the withering of the local Assam varietal (Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica), followed by a pan-frying step. The leaves are then dried over a fire or in the sun, stuffed into bamboo tubes, and tightly compacted over a fire. The post-fermentation process occurs during the ageing period when the tea is stored in a smoky environment over a fireplace, resulting in the best flavour when properly aged.

Palate

A robust and bold tea that brews in unique flavours with a delightful aroma. The 1st infusion brings the nice pinewood note in the beginning, followed by light caramel and finishes with a light sweet smoky accent. 2nd infusion where the caramel note gets the depth and the smoky note gets more bold with a light pleasant bitterness. Going further into 3rd infusion Smoked pine wood note start lingering right from the beginning and deepens with the length of the cup. A sweet bitter note gives a twist to the cup towards the end. You can brew till 6th infusion and get the more unique flavours of this mysterious tea.

The Experience 

Aroma

Pinewood, smoky

Appearance

Beige to orange according the infusion time

Palate

Pinewood, caramel, smoky, bitterness

Instruction per cup

3gm 200ml water 90°c-95°c 4-5min

For Gongfu Style 

3gm 100ml water 90°c-95°c 40 seconds, adding 10 seconds for subsequent steep

Cultivar- Local Assam varietal ( Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica )

Production: 2009

Ageing Period - Until July 10th, 2024