his tea was picked from the first flush of spring harvest high in the mountains of Simao. These tender young buds were processed in a way that is similar to how other premium small-leaf tea varietals (like Emei Sichuan Zhu Ye Qing) are processed elsewhere in China, but as this is from a large-leaf tea varietal of Yunnan (Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica), it retains some distinct characteristics and a bolder large-leaf taste. This tea is high in tannins which give it a penetrating vegetal aroma and a strong “umami” flavor which coats the mouth and throat.
These leaves are best brewed in a clear glass or chahai which shows off the tendency of the leaves to line up vertically, some floating at the surface and others sinking to the bottom.
March 2018 harvest!