Origin: Northern Vietnam
Species: Camellia crassicolumna
Growing altitude: approx. 1,500–2,200 m
Picking: Winter axillary buds only
Style: Ya Bao–style white tea
Caffeine: Not confirmed by laboratory analysis
Dragon Claw is produced from the winter axillary buds of wild Camellia crassicolumna, a non-sinensis Camellia species found in the high mountains of Northern Vietnam, particularly around Hà Giang.
The material is fundamentally different from conventional Silver Needle. These are not simply young leaf buds: they are dense axillary buds that would eventually develop into new branches. They emerge during winter and are collected from old wild-growing trees at elevations of approximately 1,500–2,200 metres.
The buds are greenish with purple tips and open very slowly during brewing. Because of their dense structure, Dragon Claw tolerates high water temperatures and extended infusion particularly well. After several Gong Fu infusions, the same material can also be gently boiled to extract the remaining aromatic compounds.
The liquor remains unusually pale despite its intense aroma. Expect wild flowers, rose, guava-like fruit, sweet wood and a subtle peppery character.
Profile: Wild rose · Guava · Tropical fruit · Wood · Pepper