2026 ECLIPSE SET

Two contrasting tea coins from the same mountain. The 2026 ECLIPSE SET pairs SOLAR and LUNAR — a sun-dried and shade-dried white tea, each pressed into a 7-gram coin, each from a different renowned corner of Yunnan. The processing method is the only variable that changes. SOLAR comes from Banzhang, a terroir in the Bulang Mountains with a reputation for producing some of the most intense tea in Yunnan. The Yunnan Large-leaf cultivar here grows thick and mineral-dense — the soil sees to that. Sun-drying concentrates what's already a bold, structured leaf: the finished tea is rich and full-mouthed, with a deep sweetness that lingers long after the cup is empty. It's the kind of tea that holds its ground. LUNAR is from Nannuo Mountain — one of the oldest continuously cultivated tea regions in Yunnan, also Large-leaf, also spring 2026. Shade-drying slows the whole process down, preserving a freshness and green vibrancy that sun-drying would have burned off. This leaves an earthy, vegetal mouth-feel that sharply contrasts to the sweetness and delicacy of SOLAR. Brewed side by side, the Eclipse Set is as close to a controlled experiment as tea gets — and a genuinely useful way to understand how processing shapes flavor. STEEPING PARAMETERS (use freshly boiled spring water) modern, large format [300 ml+ vessel — BOLI, large teapot] 7 grams (Rinse First) — 185°F (85°C) — 2 minutes traditional, small format [150 ml- vessel — gaiwan, small teapot] 7 grams — 185°F (85°C) — 10 seconds (rinse recommended) + 15-20 seconds each additional steep