2024 Mei Zhan Jin Black Tea
2024 Mei Zhan Jin Black Tea
Crafted by the Li Family
- DATE OF PICKINGSpring 2024
- Wuyishan Ecological PreserveWuyishan, Fujian
- ELEVATION600 METERS
- Mei ZhanTea Varietal
Mei Zhan varietal is famous for its rich and focused fruit-forward oolong made from long skinny spring leaves. Recently, Mr. Li has been experimenting with a stand of his family’s iconic Mei Zhan in early spring when the plant puts out huge buds that are too delicate to withstand oolong processing. He personally leads the hand-picking of the Li Family Mei Zhan buds and brings them to the family home and workshop in Tongmu for Jin Jun Mei meticulous black tea hand-finishing. The slow oxidation in bamboo baskets brings out big savory notes and sweet rich honey and cream.
Tasting Profile
- savory - cream, brown sugar cookie
- spice - sweet mint, cinnamon
- floral - honey
- fruit - pomegranate
- texture - rich, frothy
Li Xiangxi also recommends:
'Now Wuyishan is home to dozens of varietals from well-known teas like Shui Jin Gui and Anxi natives like Jin Guanyin to more obscure Que She, Bai Rui Xiang, and Shi Ru. Culitvar-specific teas are used almost exclusively for oolongs because their distinctive aromas that can be brought out in oolong processing. That said, there are exceptions: teas like Mei Zhan Jin Jun Mei use the gigantic buds of the aromatic, large-leafed Mei Zhan cultivar, and is a favorite of the Li Family’s for single-varietal Jin Jun Mei'
Steeping Instructions
Western
5 g.6
oz.use 208° watersteep 15 secondsresteep many times
add 10 sec. each infusionGongfu
5 g.5 ozuse 195° watersteep 5 seconds
add 5 sec. per steepingenjoy many steepingsIced/Cold
5 g.12
oz.use room temp. waterrefrigerate overnight
8 hoursadd ice & enjoy