Opening the dry leaf, and getting a nose full, then while preparing my rinse and smelling again, my brain is shouting “wait… this isn’t sheng?” But, when you consider that the sheng Verdant sells also comes from Qianjiazhai, perhaps that’s not a complete shock.
However, as I slurp my way into the first steep, it becomes clear that there’s no age on this leaf. Light, floral and completely lacking any of the thick maltiness of the zhu rong I had this morning, this may be leaf fit to become sheng, but it is not sheng.
The hui gan here is at the front of the mouth only. Heavy coming to the gums from the palate but only running back if I swallow.
Later steepings bring out melon notes.
Highly recommend this tea as a “gate way” leaf for introducing people to sheng pu-erh.
Flavors: Garden Peas, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Melon
