MALT OF MALAWI | Whiskey Cask Conditioned Black Tea

An irresistible dessert-inspired tea. Think of it as the tea world's take on European aunties’ rich, boozy dark chocolates—without the alcohol or calories!

Origin:  Thyolo, Malawi

GPS:  16°S 35.1°E.

Handcrafting:  orthodox black tea, carefully handrolled and aged in South African whiskey barrels.

Tasting notes:  cream whisky, dried fruit, cacao

Brewing Suggestions:  3g tea / 240g water @90°C, 60" 

Cold Brew:   8g / litre, 48 hours

Malawi - A Fascinating Tea Origin

Tucked away in southeastern Africa, Malawi remains a quietly compelling—and still largely undiscovered—tea origin. Tea was first introduced, likely from India, in the early 20th century, taking root in the mist-covered highlands around Thyolo and Mulanje. These dramatic, fertile landscapes are home to some of the oldest tea gardens in Africa, shaped by cool temperatures, abundant rainfall, and generations of careful cultivation.

For much of its history, Malawian tea flowed anonymously into the global market as a relatively inexpensive component of blends. In recent decades, however, a small number of visionary producers have begun to change that narrative. Chief among them is the Kay family of Satemwa Tea Estate, founded in 1923 and still family-owned today. At the turn of the 21st century, Satemwa embarked on a bold new path—hand-crafting green, white, oolong, and dark teas alongside exceptional orthodox black teas, each expressing Malawi’s distinctive terroir. This pursuit of quality has gone hand in hand with a deep commitment to supporting smallholder growers and improving livelihoods in surrounding communities.