Early harvest teas, even when processed to black style, often have fragrances reminiscent of spring flowers. In this tea, the teamaker found hints of flowers thus the name. The aroma of the wet leaves is light evergreen, almost mint. Taste reminds us of the loquat fruit. It is a fresh style spring tea - made to local custom and in small quantity.
Lot Notes. Tea was harvested second week of April 2021. We find it offers an enlivening, clean flavor that is quite pleasing. Not a full-bodied style black, it is ambrosial and more to the refreshing side.
Tea Facts. The cultivar is Mei Zhan, a traditional oolong varietal that has been cultivated for now hundreds of years in provinces throughout China. Cultivar is farmed intensively in mountain areas of Fujian Province into wonderful blacks, greens and whites. Harvested in April 2021 and made to local style of aroma and taste profile. Leaf is small and dense reflecting its harvest date and pluck standard.
Tasting Notes. Taste is naturally sweet and lush. Flavor is light fruit.
Brewing Suggestions. A round teaspoon of leaf for every 7-8 ounces of water. Use water temperature of 195-205 F. Steep for 2 minutes and taste. Tea is prone to sweet notes so a longer steep time will bring forward more flavor, not pungency. Will yield multiple steeps with longer steep times.
