This is again a Pre-Quing Ming 2010 tea. The leaves look on the first sight like the famous Long Jing, but they smell a bit different. It seems that it’s not roasted in the wok as much as the dragonwell. This gives the tea more natural feel. The leaves have a light green color and smell very fresh. You can also smell a similar fragrance like bamboo shoots. This is not a coincidence. The tea was named Zhu Ye Quing, which means “Green Bamboo leaf” ( by Chen Yi in 1964).
This is a AAA class tea, so the manufacturing is very precise. Very good first impressions, but let’s see how it tastes.
The supplier adviced to steep it for few seconds. Can’t agree with that. About 1 minute gives it a very good and still mild flavour. The liquor has a bright yellowish-green color. I smell bamboo again…not an issue, i love bamboo shoots.
The tea is very refreshing and i would also say “juicy”. I gladly recommend it for drinking even if it’s hot out there. This is also a similarity to the famous Long Jing. Long Jing is said to have a “cooling” effect. Some chinese ads say that this tea refreshes your body and soul :) …agreed!
I can’t feel the classic roasted aftertaste and i like it. It very natural, a bit fruity and tastes after green bamboo leaves. Also, as usual for chinese greens, it can take up to 5-6 steeps.
So to sum up. We have a very good quality tea for a lower price than long jing. It tastes good, smells good and looks good. Nothing can replace the Long Jing, but i’m not looking for replacements. I’m looking for something new a fresh. Hey, it’s spring :)
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