Malawi Satemwa Whiskey Barrel Aged Black Tea
A rare micro-lot black tea from Satemwa Tea Estate, aged in old whiskey barrels for added depth and complexity. Smooth and aromatic, with mellow oak notes, soft malt and a subtle vanilla and caramel notes with whiskey-barrel warmth.
Choose options
A rare micro-lot black tea from Satemwa Tea Estate, aged in old whiskey barrels for added depth and complexity. Smooth and aromatic, with mellow oak notes, soft malt and a subtle vanilla and caramel notes with whiskey-barrel warmth.
A rare micro-lot black tea from Satemwa Tea Estate, aged in old whiskey barrels for added depth and complexity. Smooth and aromatic, with mellow oak notes, soft malt and a subtle vanilla and caramel notes with whiskey-barrel warmth.
This exceptional black tea is a true expression of Satemwa’s spirit of innovation. Produced in very small quantities at Satemwa Tea Estate in Malawi, this long wiry black tea has been carefully selected from well-bodied micro-batches before being aged in old whiskey barrels sourced from a small distillery in Cape Town, South Africa.
Satemwa has long been known for its willingness to experiment with speciality tea. Since reviving its artisanal tea production, the estate has developed a range of award-winning white, green, oolong, black, post-fermented and smoked teas. This whiskey barrel aged black tea continues that tradition, bringing together African tea craftsmanship with the layered aromatics of oak barrel ageing.
The tea is cured in the barrel for around three to four weeks, with the leaves turned every two days to encourage an even and balanced infusion of flavour. This careful ageing process gives the tea a subtle complexity without overpowering the character of the leaf itself.
The result is a limited-edition black tea with a beautifully rounded profile. Expect the structure of a well-made OP1 black tea, enriched by gentle notes of oak, malt, dried fruit and a soft whiskey-barrel sweetness. It is smooth, warming and quietly indulgent, a tea made for slow sipping, works perfect as an after-dinner drink.
History, Origin & Terroir
Satemwa Tea Estate was founded in 1923 and remains family-owned, a rare distinction in Malawi’s tea industry. Situated in the Shire Highlands, the estate benefits from a lush landscape, tropical warmth and cooling highland conditions that support expressive, full-flavoured teas.
This tea reflects both the heritage and modern creativity of Satemwa: a classic African black tea, transformed through careful small-batch barrel ageing.
Process
Selected micro-batches of Satemwa Black OP1 are aged in old whiskey barrels for approximately two to three weeks. The tea is turned every two days during the ageing period to achieve an even flavour profile. Each lot is extremely limited, with only around 15–20kg produced.
Flavour Profile
Aroma: Mellow malt, oak and soft whiskey-barrel warmth
Taste: Smooth black tea with notes of wood, vanilla, caramel and gentle sweetness
Finish: Rounded, warming and lingering
Mouthfeel: medium-bodied, smooth and refined
Brewing Guide
Water temperature: 90°C
Amount: 1 teaspoon / 2.5g per cup
Steeping time: 3–4 minutes
Serve: Best enjoyed black to appreciate the barrel-aged character.
Cold Brew
Water temperature: Room Teprature
Amount: 3 teaspoon / 6-8 g per 500ml
Refrigerate: 8-12 hours
Ingredients
100% Black Tea
Caffeine Level
High
