Bright, deep and persistent with subtle, delicate flavors. The dry leaves have a candied, woody scent. After the first rinse, the leaves exude more succulent, fruity and orchid aromas with a hint of roasted pine nuts. The tea brews a very clear and pale yellow brew.
The first steep was sweet (lilies and roasted grains) and almost tart; it seemed to lack structure and body, but after the 3rd steep the tea begins thicken and coat the roof and back of the mouth, revealing the tea’s structure. The next 5 infusions convey much more body and were much more floral and woody with sweet grain notes. The aftertaste and lingering sensations extend way into the back of the mouth, which are very pronounced and intensify at the 8th and 9th steeps. They induce a mouthfeel and qi that is uplifting, clarifying, and very relaxing. By the 5th steep, the drinker is experiencing a tea that is thick, well-structured and has real depth.
That strong sensation in the back of the mouth and top of the throat remain even in later steeps. It needs to be pushed a bit after steep 10 — I’ve been flash brewing the entire time. This is a very subtle tea that will reward those who take their time.
