Karuna

“Karuna” means “Compassion,” which this gorgeous tea embodies. It is amongst the best Taiwanese oolongs we have ever tried. Master Lu Lizhen crafted this magical tea with the intention of making a tea worth aging for the long term. He oxidized the tea in a traditional way (higher than a lot of tea nowadays). He then carefully chose the best leaves as though he were making a tea for competition. After that, he roasted the tea slowly for more than one hundred hours to ensure there was no moisture inside and put it away for long term aging. After three years, a friend pleaded for a portion of this magic tea after he heard Master Lu talk about the production process. Reluctantly, Master Lu opened up the tea and gave some to his friend. As we were also passing through at the time, we had the good fortune to buy the rest (save for a small amount he kept for himself). Though it is only three years old, this golden elixir is gorgeous—fragrant beyond belief, with a powerful Qi that rises up and out. It is full-bodied, thick, sweet and long-lasting. This tea is perfect for aging long term, though you will be tempted to get two jars and drink one up right away.