Friday Afternoon
IX. For the Tomb
IX. For the Tomb
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This blend is inspired by the Locked Tomb Series by Tamsyn Muir. Check out the entire delicious collection here!
The Ninth are near-forgotten. Scraps at the end of the line, holding something precious which few understand. Late winter leaves, battered by harsh weathering and not considered by many to deserve a place at the high table, but oh when they arrive...
This 18 year cave-aged beauty is an odd one. Dark and layered, precisely crafted with intention and intended for a different destiny than its peers. Meet Shoumei, a pure white tea made in the mountains of Fuding, China. The leaves left over when Silver Needle harvest is complete. Generally thrown away, except by the artists who care for it and raise it in darkness to become its most powerful self: a white tea which brews up deep in hue, robust and smooth and absolutely unlike anything else.
Ingredients: 100g of caked 2006 Fuding Shoumei (white tea)
Best brewed at 175° F or 79.4°C for 2-3 min, or over the course of many 30-second infusions. For a more traditional Chinese-style cup, stew over low low heat for an hour and then strain.
Approximately 25mg of caffeine per cup
Customer Reviews
From the first moment I laid eyes on Friday Afternoon Tea’s "IX. For the Tomb," I was enchanted—both by its striking design and the story behind it. The tea cake itself is a beautifully crafted artifact: 100 grams of 2006 Fuding Shoumei, wrapped and topped with a dramatic black label featuring a white skull, the roman numeral IX stamped on the forehead, and "For the Tomb" in a gothic script reminiscent of Tamsyn Muir’s cult-favorite Locked Tomb series. As a tea and book lover, I found this crossover irresistible.
My journey with this tea began out of pure curiosity. Friday Afternoon’s fandom set, featuring nine unique teas for the nine houses of the Locked Tomb universe, piqued my interest so much that I picked up a copy of Gideon the Ninth. I was immediately hooked; the series devoured my attention and my bookshelf space—hardcover editions soon followed, including a cherished signed copy. Returning to the teas after finishing the books, "IX. For the Tomb" stood out as a treasure. It’s worth noting that while 2006 marked a notable year for the commercial popularization of pressed Shou Mei cakes, white tea cakes have roots that go back further. However, 2006 vintage cakes like this one are sought for their rarity and unique depth, and Friday Afternoon’s stash is a rare treat, especially when the full fandom set isn’t in rotation.
As for the tea itself—words hardly do it justice. This Shou Mei, cave-aged for 18 years, is indeed "dark and layered," as described. The dry leaves offer a powerful, earthy aroma, even before water touches them—deep, musty, and evocative of old stone cellars or sun-warmed mineral caves. Upon brewing, the transformation is stunning: a cup of deep, amber liquor with a flavor profile that is mystical yet grounding. Each sip is complex—there’s an initial mustiness rarely found in younger white teas, merging into floral whispers, stony mineral notes, and a hint of something more elusive and enigmatic. I’d liken it to petrichor: that fresh, watery scent that rises from the earth after rain. The texture is smooth, almost silky, and the overall effect is both comforting and invigorating.
What truly sets this tea apart is its ability to transport you. The layered, cave-aged character conjures images of ancient tombs and secret passages, fitting perfectly with the Ninth House inspiration. It somehow tastes both timeless and powerful—a reflection of the Locked Tomb’s own artistry and depth. After sampling my first cake, I was so enchanted by its evolving flavors and remarkable aging potential that I quickly secured three more for my personal stash.
For adventurous drinkers, lovers of aged teas, or anyone seeking a cup as rich in story as in flavor, "IX. For the Tomb" is a five-star experience and an unforgettable journey into the strange and beautiful. It’s a tea I’d recommend to anyone eager for an exotic, mysterious, and genuinely one-of-a-kind cup.
Brewing tip: While you can brew Western-style for a robust cup (175°F for 2-3 minutes), try brewing "gong fu" style—short, repeated steeps—to fully explore its shifting character. Or, for the traditionalist, a long, gentle simmer extracts every last nuance. However you prepare it, this tea rewards patience and curiosity—just like the books it’s inspired by.
Wonderfully smooth dark tea. This is my first aged tea and it's wonderful. I just do a little sugar and honey. It is incredibly smooth. Super happy I tried this.
This tea is really lovely. I experimented with different steeping times and found i prefer a bit longer to have a stronger flavor, and I can definitely imagine the reverend daughter drinking this since it’s so subtle. Its different from what I normally drink but I like it a lot. Definitely will be trying more from this store (:
This tea is incredibly flavorful well beyond its dozenth cup. I ran out of stamina and time drinking it before it ran out of flavor. Truly it will sustain you for a myriad!
A tea that might be enjoyed by the Reverend Daughter herself! It may be the way we prepared it, but this tea is incredibly subtle and almost tastes like drinking a cup of herbal smoke. With Harrow's preference for lighter flavors (hot water with lemon, rather than tea) she might very well enjoy this tea. I had been expecting a much heavier, darker flavor, but the subtleness and smokiness of this tea almost seems like the image Harrow intended them to project at Canaan House, just on the edge of perception. And promising more depth to uncover if you have the time and patience to get to know it! Looking forward to experimenting with different brewing methods!