Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending an origin tasting session at the World Tea Expo, hosted by the remarkable Joyce Maina, who was there to present the Myanmar Tea Producers Association (MTA).
If you’re familiar with the tea world, you’ll know it’s a close-knit community, so it’s no surprise that I was introduced to Joyce through my incredibly well-connected co-founder at East Forged, Tania Stacey. Tania truly has her finger on the pulse of the best in tea. 😉
Meeting Joyce in person was an absolute honor. Her deep knowledge of tea and her passionate work in supporting everyone across the tea supply chain is nothing short of inspiring.
During the tasting, one tea stood out so brilliantly that I immediately knew it would captivate my tea-loving audience. It turns out, this tea had also won the prestigious World Tea Expo Origin Tea Award.
Sourcing teas from regions like Myanmar can be quite complex, but thanks to the collaboration with Joyce, the tea maker, and the MTA, I’m thrilled to share a limited batch of this exceptional tea with you.
To properly introduce Mr. Seng’s award-winning Golden Angel black tea from Myanmar, I’m excited to delve into the story behind it and the fantastic teamwork that brought it to life. So, grab your favourite cup and settle in for this engaging Q&A blog. ☺️
Q: I would love to hear about your journey to tea and what your expertise are?
A: I got into tea very much by chance after university. I joined a grad-scheme that turned out to be a tea job – I had no idea that such jobs even existed! It was very much a man’s world, but I had great trainers and champions who taught me all I know, and set me on the path for a lifetime career that I still enjoy over 30 yrs later. I have become a master tea taster, master blender, and international tea expert & consultant, working with brands and stakeholders all the way up to the UN’s International Trade Centre.
Q: Can you please share who the Myanmar Tea Producers Association are and how you became involved in supporting them with your specialist tea knowledge?
A: Through my work with the ITC, I met the Myanmar tea Producers and Exporters Association back in 2022. They are a group of committed tea operators making amazing teas – speciality, commodity teas and the delicious Laphet which is unique to Myanmar. ITC have been involved in assisting these SMEs to access export markets and that is how I got involved as a trainer, equipping them with the skills and knowledge on quality and quality assurance, tasting, export readiness and market access.
Q: This Black / Gold tea is extraordinary, it even secured an Origin tasting award at the World Tea Expo this year. Can you share more about what makes this tea so exceptional?
A: Golden Angel is Mr Seng’s creation. It is indeed an amazing tea – I just had a cup this morning and I love it. It’s unique honey notes are a result of the terroir – the tea is from the Flower District and as you can imagine, there is plenty of honey around.
The Leaf = Curvy, aromatic and beautiful layers of black and gold
Flavour = Floral and sweet with honey notes
Cup appearance = Combination gold & Red
Texture = smooth and mild
Finish = long enjoyment
Q: Compared to other tea origins how would you describe the key taste characteristics of Myanmar tea.
A: Myanmar produces teas that are mild, smooth with complex flavours. From green to oolong and black, there are many beautiful teas to choose from, each with it’s own special character – I would urge drinkers to search them out – you will be pleasantly surprised each time.
Q: What do you think the tea consumers could benefit in knowing about Myanmar to understand the tea that is being produced in the country?
A: Myanmar is situated between China and India, with perfect tea growing conditions, history and skills. Because most of the tea made is consumed in the domestic market, many people do not know that Myanmar produces all these wonderful teas – so the first thing is, yes, they do! The second is that the teas are great. Very different from what you get elsewhere, so if you are looking for something different then look no further. Lastly but most importantly, all teas are grown organic practices – even where the farmers cannot afford certification fees, the teas are organic!
We are certain this will make you want to dive over and taste this wonderful tea. Please take a look at our Golden Angel Black Tea.
