Premium Grade Jin Jun Mei Fujian Black Tea of Wu Yi Shan * Spring 2014

This came as a sample in my last Yunnan Sourcing order. As usual, YS does not disappoint with the quality and the size of their samples.

Though Jin Jun Mei are usually not my favorite black teas, this one I must say hits the mark.

It’s good.

The scent is beautiful, and so is the color of the brew, stunning.

It has a nice body, feels thick in the mouth.

Sweet and somewhat savory, slightly salty, the main note I can detect is definitely yam or sweet potato.

It has a bit of smoke, but very subtle.

If I had one Jin Jun Mei to keep in stock, this would be the one for sure. I might purchase this.

I needed peace and focus tonight, and this tea gave me just that.

Relaxing session by the candlelight…

Pics:

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Another sample from a Steepster friend! Funnily enough, this tea was actually just recommended to me by miss Stephanie a couple of days ago. What a fortuitous turn of events that I should receive a sample of the same tea a day or two later! Gotta love how things just work out sometimes. Anyway! It looks similar to other Jin Jun Mei teas I’ve had in the past – small, very curly and soft leaves that are mostly golden in color. Dry scent is a nice savory/sweet combination of apricot and smoked meat with sweet potato.

The steeped tea smells much more savory to me, with a strong smoked presence. Yum, what a delicious savory tea! It’s thick and smooth, but not overly intense. The main notes I can taste are a mildly savory sweet potato/bread base with some lovely smoked overtones. There’s also a touch of cedar or some other fragrant wood and a nice amount of malt as well as a touch of earthiness. There’s a small touch of sweetness – perhaps honey or something similar? Overall, this is a very meaty and satisfying savory tea!