A Journey of Discovery with Saicho Sixty Stone Mountain

This October, Saicho is unveiling the second edition of The Rare Tea Collection. In collaboration with Golden Fork award-winning Tea Master Junjie Lin, Saicho proudly introduces Sixty Stone Mountain. Born from the meticulous craftsmanship of Junjie Lin, this high mountain tea with its unique, honey-like fragrance, was harvested from a tiny parcel of land nestled in Hualien County, Taiwan.

This is a limited edition release of only 1,288 bottles, each individually numbered, making every bottle truly unique.

Experience the rich heritage of Sixty Stone Mountain with every sip, transporting you to the heart of Taiwan’s mountainous forests. Sixty Stone Mountain is the epitome of refined indulgence; a perfect gift for life’s special occasions.

A Union of Commitment and Tea Mastery

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 commitment is exemplified in Saicho’ Sixty Stone Mountain, crafted in an environment that celebrates biodiversity. 

Situated on Sixty Stone Mountain, in Hualien County, Taiwan, this unique tea garden, spanning just two-thirds of a hectare and at an altitude of 945 metres above sea level, thrives from the moisture brought by the Pacific Ocean's Kuroshio current.

Handpicked in July 2023, this delicate tea was expertly crafted by Tea Master Junjie Lin. The leaves underwent a careful process to become a black tea with around 90% oxidation. Over several months, the tea was re-roasted, enhancing and preserving its rich aroma and intricate flavour profile.

"From a tiny parcel of land high up on Sixty Stone Mountain, Tea Master Junjie Lin has created one of the most beautiful teas I have ever tasted: a very rare honey-fragrance black tea," shares Saicho’s co-founder, Charlie Winkworth-Smith. "His lifelong dedication to his craft shines through in this tea, it is truly exceptional. It has been a real privilege working with Junjie to create our new sparkling tea. The terroir really shines through in the glass."

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 help impart a honey-like fragrance, a signature trait of this exceptional high mountain tea.

An Homage to Origin and History

Sixty Stone Mountain, also known as Liushishi Mountain, holds a special place in Taiwanese history. The name has its roots in the region's agricultural past, referring to a remarkable rice yield under Japanese colonial rule, where the mountain's fields produced an abundant 60 dan (a unit of rice), far more than the usual harvest of 40-50 dan.

This fascinating origin is reflected in the artwork on the stunning gold and green gift box, which beautifully captures the history and natural beauty of the region. 

"Sixty Stone Mountain’s artwork was created by Saicho’s Artist in Residence, Yuliya Kalinichenko," Charlie adds. "The design pays homage to the mountainous forests where the tea leaves are cultivated, and features the majestic Mikado pheasant, a symbol of Taiwan's natural beauty."

A Taste of Luxury and Heritage 

"We hope everybody is transported to this special tea garden with every sip of this rare sparkling tea," says co-founder Natalie Winkworth-Smith.

Saicho's Sixty Stone Mountain offers a luxuriously layered experience. It has a rich aroma of  dark honey, mango, apricot, and lemon. On the palate it unfolds with additional notes of ripe pear, grilled pineapple, cedarwood and a delicate hint of smoke.

Whether paired with savoury dishes like miso black cod or glazed pork, or enjoyed with a sweet dessert like crème brûlée, the tea's distinctive honey-like richness adds a beautiful depth and complexity to every meal.

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“We believe that tea is to be revered and celebrated as a cornerstone of culture and tradition,” adds Natalie Chiu, co-founder of Saicho. “With Sixty Stone Mountain 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

This exquisite sparkling tea is available for limited release exclusively on our website and at Harrods London.