Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Life in Teacup
Tea Description:
Production Year: 2011
Production Season: Spring, Harvested on April 23rd
Production Region: Anhui Province, Yellow Mountain Region, Single Estate
Style: Hong Qing (roasted), traditional Tai Ping Hou Kui processing method
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I love Tai Ping Hou Kui tea, although, I have not had a whole lot of opportunities to try them. It is a very expensive variety of tea, and not one that I splurge on very often. Of the very few that I’ve tried, this one is definitely the best.
The dry leaves are very flat and long – averaging to about 3 – 3 1/2 inches long. The leaves are a deep, forest green color … much deeper in color than other Tai Ping teas that I’ve experienced. This is the good stuff!
The aromatic brew is a combination of vegetation and flower – evoking thoughts of a meadow of wildflowers in the spring, when the grass is green and the flowers are blooming. The air is sweet and clean, and the gentle breeze delivers hints of the flower to the nose.
The flavor is sublime. Sweet and vegetative. The vegetative notes are a little grassy and a little like freshly steamed lima beans with a touch of melted butter. There are some floral notes in the distance, and a fruit note that begins as a very slight taste and develops as I continue to sip. The fruit note really comes alive at the finish, where it tastes almost citrus-y.
A lovely tea experience. But then, I would have expected nothing less from Life in Teacup – the products they offer are always of the highest quality.
I agree; @gingkoseto aka lifeinteacup’s teas are always carefully chosen, she has a fine selection and runs a wonderful little company.