Fresh order from FL just arrived and I’m very excited to try some of their teas. All the samples I got were 2021-2022, so quite fresh. This one is the first sheng I’ve tried under the “magical” 2 year age.
I’ve heard online that Jingmai shengs are quite mild, so I was expecting that. In this sample, that certainly rings true at the start, but intensity and complexity ramp up rapidly to shatter that prejudice.
A smooth tea with medium-low bitterness and medium astringency. An undertone of sweetness is present from the first infusion. Mouthfeel is that complex, exquisite paradox wherein the tea feels full and wet, but on swallowing, leaves the perfect level of astringency to make you crave more. Aftertaste is sweet and lasts minutes.The leaves are large and fairly whole with stems still attached. Liquor is very light yellow as expected. Progression is robust with the flavor intensity increasing until about infusion 5-6, when it then plateaus before declining. 12+ infusions.
Apparently, Nanzuo is the smallest village on Jingmai mountain. This tea has leaves from the small factory of You Guo, who lives in Nanzuo and is a friend of William and Yubai. One of the most interesting parts of this sample set is the ability to try teas from different terroirs and see how microclimates and soil variation might affect the flavor.
Flavors: Apricot, Astringent, Bitter, Dried Fruit, Fruity, Green Apple, Pleasantly Sour, Straw, Sweet, Tangy, Vegetal
