Thyolo Moto (Fire of Thyolo)

Tea Type: Red (known as Black in Western Countries)
Origin: Thyolo Town, Thyolo District, Malawi
Grower/Producer: Alexander Kay

The most widely spoken language in the country of Malawi is Chewa, known by the proper name Chichewa (in Zambia, it is called Chinyanja). The word moto in Chichewa means "fire", which appropriate for this tea that has been smoked over guava wood. Thyolo (pronounced "tcholo") is the name of the mountain, the district, and the town where Satemwa Tea Estate is found. As such "The Fire of Thyolo" is my best attempt at an English translation of this tea's name.

Inspired by the pinewood-smoked red tea from China known as Lapsang Souchong or Zhèng Shān Xiǎo Zhǒng, Alexander Kay smokes handpicked tea over guava wood after having fully oxidized the leaves. Kay is the leader of the Satemwa Estate, a Fair-Trade certified grower of tea that is dedicated to improving the living conditions of their community, including the maintenance of 5 community clinics and an ambulance.

The dry leaves of this tea give of the scent of sweet wood smoke, charcoal, bourbon, and chocolate. When they are warmed by the ceramic, the aroma shifts to that of roast coffee grounds, hot cocoa,  and black pepper. We were reminded of the smell of Scholz Garten in Austin, a German smoked meats restaurant in downtown.

The flavor of the tea liquor is very much akin to Lapsang Souchong, though the smoke is milder (this makes an excellent foray into smoked teas for someone who is unacquainted with them). The flavors of burnt marshmallow and smoked flowers dance on the palate as you drink.