Saicho launches “Sixty Stone Mountain” sparkling tea

Innovators of non-alcoholic wine alternatives, luxurious sparkling tea brand Saicho, is launching a new addition to its Rare Tea Collection, with only 1,288 bottles available worldwide. “Sixty Stone Mountain” is an extremely coveted serve. Paying homage to the legendary Liu Shi Shi Mountain in Taiwan, this region is renowned for its extremely rare, premium, high-grade teas.

This unique and complex tea is cultivated on a tiny parcel of land, just 3⁄4 's of a hectare. Nestled deep within the mountain where a niche biodiversity thrives to produce a beautiful honeyed fragranced tea. With such a small amount of tea produced, Sixty Stone Mountain offers a distinguished layer to the Saicho collection and will be priced at £60.00 per 750ml bottle and available from 7 October.

Saicho's commitment to excellence is reflected in its support for small tea growers, preserving the rich diversity and tradition of tea cultivation worldwide. This exclusive tea was harvested by hand in July 2023 before being expertly transformed under the guidance of Tea Master Junjie Lin. The leaves underwent a careful process to become black tea with around 90% oxidation. Over several months, the tea was re-roasted, enhancing and preserving its rich aroma and intricate flavour profile. This process, along with the natural transformation facilitated by the small green leafhoppers, endows the sparkling tea with a unique honey-like essence.

Served chilled in a champagne flute, Saicho's Sixty Stone Mountain invites a sensory exploration, similar to Saicho’s existing range of “Champagne-like” teas. Its rich aroma of dark honey, mango, apricot, and lemon unfolds on the palate with layers of ripe pear, grilled pineapple, cedarwood, and a hint of smoke. This versatile tea complements a variety of dishes, from robust flavours of miso black cod, and glazed pork to the delicate sweetness of crème brûlée.

"At Saicho, we are on a perpetual quest to uncover and honour the artistry of tea production and bring the premium aspects of this to people’s attention. We are excited to share Sixty Stone Mountain, a rare find that embodies the essence of Taiwan’s lush tea-growing regions,” said Charlie Winkworth-Smith, co-founder of Saicho, "This sparkling tea is a tribute to the meticulous cultivation practices and the unique terroir of Fuli, Hualien, which produces tea of unparalleled character and quality. Our commitment to sourcing single-origin teas ensures each sip tells the unique story of its birthplace."

Nestled on Sixty Stone Mountain in Hualien County, Taiwan, this unique plot of land, covering just two-thirds of a hectare and situated at an altitude of 945 metres thrives with the moisture brought by the Pacific Ocean’s Kuroshio current. The tea’s distinct characteristics are a result of the meticulously maintained ecological diversity of the tea garden, where tiny leafhoppers flourish. These tea jassids play a pivotal role in imparting a honey-like fragrance, a signature trait of this exceptional high-mountain tea.

Collection.The packaging of this rare sparkling tea is as extraordinary as its contents, featuring the majestic Mikado pheasant, a symbol of Taiwan's natural beauty and cultural significance. The design pays homage to the mountainous forests where the tea leaves are cultivated, with the Mikado pheasant's vibrant plumage and striking features embodying the exclusivity and luxury of Saicho's Rare Tea Collection.

“We believe that tea is to be revered and celebrated as a cornerstone of culture and tradition,” adds Natalie Winkworth-Smith, co-founder of Saicho. “With the ‘Sixty Stone Mountain’ sparkling tea we invite connoisseurs to embark on a sensory journey through Taiwan’s rich tea culture, presented in a form that embodies the essence of luxury and refinement.”

Sixty Stone Mountain by Saicho is the epitome of refined indulgence, reserved for those moments that deserve to be cherished and remembered. Whether it’s celebrating a significant milestone, hosting an intimate gathering, or simply seeking to elevate your personal ritual, this exceptional sparkling tea promises to create conversation and Saicho's Sixty Stone Mountain Sparkling Tea is an invitation to explore the unparalleled flavours and traditions of Taiwan's tea culture. It will be available from 7th October to purchase from www.saichodrinks.com and with exclusive retail partner Harrods.