Thank you very much Wan Ling Tea House for this sample.
The leaves are (mostly) very long being roughly 6cm on average with only a few that have broken into smaller pieces. They are a mixture of dark green, medium green and hints of brown in appearance. Closer observation reveal fine hairs that shimmer silver. They have a sweet and vegetal scent, similar to kale, sweet pea and peony all mixed into one. Very nice and spring like.
My sample was a generous 5g and for the sake of this review I will be using my large teapot which holds roughly 6-7 cups worth of tea.
First Steep – One Minute – Colour is light yellow with a subtle green tint. Aroma is very subtle but there are hints of sweet flowers. Flavour is very gentle and sweet with highlights of sweet pea and fresh grass. The light flavour makes it a very refreshing first steep.
Second Steep – Two Minutes – Darker yellow in colour this time with a stronger aroma that resembles spinach, kale and sweet pea. Very green and sweet. Flavour is still on the delicate and sweet side despite having a much more robust aroma. It keeps it nice and refreshing. It’s a nice sweetness level, not too much but enough. Also a little dry in the after taste.
Third Steep – Three Minutes – Grassier now in flavour but still sweet and floral with only a hint of astringency. Much smoother than I was expecting for the final steep. Stronger kale tasting now too with a mature, dark green vegetal essence.
Overall – This Tai Ping Hou Kui is a delicious and sweet green tea that contains joyful essences of flowers, vegetables and grass which make this a pleasure to drink. Very smooth and refreshing throughout.
