Harvesting : Early spring 2008 (pre Qing-Ming) – First Pick
Grade : AA
Origin : East Dong Ting Mountain, Jiang Su Province.
Plantation attitude : 200 ~ 300 meters above sea level.
Plantation varietals : Liu Ye variety a.k.a. original Xiao Ye Variety.
Dry leaves appearance : The leaves are tiny and fine, which are tightly shaped and rolled into curly form. The whole leaves are full of fine white hairs. Pale green color appears under the white fairs.
Aroma : Fresh and fruity fragrance in good purity combines with lovely flowery touch. The subtle and deep fresh nutty aroma is complemented by a slight citrus hint that is sweet and pleasent, which offers a pronouncing spring feeling.
Liquor : Shinny and “greasy” greenish-yellow liquor has an excellent clarity. Fine hairs are floating on the surface of the liquor. The liquor is light weighted in the mouth which is smooth, oily and fresh.
Taste : Freshness is the first impression to the pallet. It shows a slight citrus hint at the beginning that followed by a lovely fruity flavor and a sweet taste. A delicate floral fragrance appears after swallowing that can be felt deeply on the back. The texture is silky and thick combined with a slight white egg fragrance at first. The taste is well layered, which presents nutty, fruity, floral, and, citron flavor gradually. At the end, a lingering sweet after taste is flattering the mouth after swallowing. The taste is pure and exquisite that followed by a long lasted “Hui Gan (after taste)”.
Tips : When you brew Chinese green tea in a gaiwan, always leave a little bit of tea in the gaiwan between each infusion. This is call “the root” and will allow you to get the best of the green tea.