Jin Jun Mei

Thanks for the sample Cameron B!

This is a delicious malty and sweet jin jun mei. My second steep was even sweeter. I would totally drink this one again. YAY my first tea from Teasenz! :)

This tea was provided for free in exchange for review, thanks teasenz! You can find it here: http://www.teasenz.com/golden-yunnan-tea-jinjunmei#.U-lC6PldXX8

Wow, the picture on their website does not do this tea justice! I actually said “wow” out loud when I opened the packet. It consists of the most beautiful little golden-orange fuzzy tips, and they’re very light and fluffy. It almost reminds me of yarn, but with a slight metallic element. Here’s a picture, I couldn’t resist! (http://i.imgur.com/vi6lJGv.jpg) The dry scent is light malt with sweet honey and cocoa notes. I did my usual 3 minute steep without looking up any instructions (such arrogance!).

Brewed, it smells sweet and malty with a definite cocoa note. I also get rich molasses and dried fruit, and a slight herby presence. Yummmmmm! Lol, I sound like a Furby… I wouldn’t call this tea super complex, but the quality of flavor is divine. It’s quite malty and bready, and slightly sweet in the raw honey sense. There’s a little bit of peppery interest, and an herbaceousness that is almost definitely reminiscent of dill. I find a tiny bit of dried fruit if I specifically look for it, but it’s not very prominent overall. Lovely smooth and mellow tea with a clean finish and no bitterness or astringency whatsoever! This one is absolutely going into my permanent cupboard, right this second.

Wow, I am very impressed with teasenz so far, and I am so glad that I sent that email requesting samples! And this tea is only $9.95 for 70 grams, what? Definitely an amazing value as well as just a great tea. :D

Method: 1.5 tsp @ 208 degrees in 8 oz, 4 minutes, French Press

Dry Leaf Aroma: Cocoa and light malt

Brewing Aroma: Strongly malty

Flavor: I was really hoping to pick up some of the honey flavor from the description, or at least some sweetness, but this was pretty neutral. I enjoyed the malty flavors, and I didn’t find the tea to be overly bitter or astringent, but I also did not find many interesting notes. I think this is a good tea, but not my fave.

This is the latest in my quest to try as many Chinese black teas as possible. It has a lovely scent of honey and maybe bread as well. The flavour is sweet with hints of orange, along with a bit of wheat toast. Overall, I’ve found this to be a good morning tea.