A Chinese Green Tea from Shifeng Mountain, Zhejiang, China. This tea was handpicked in March of 2011.Teavivre offers sample sized portions (14g) of this tea at only $3.00 so you can try it out.It also comes in 100g (3.5oz), 200g (7oz), and 500g (17.5oz) in double sealed packaging from $12.99 to $57.99 per package.
The dry leaf has long flattened leaves that are mostly green with a variance of reddish-brown leaves scattered throughout. When I opened the bag the first aroma to hit me was malty. Yummm, it smelled SO good! However, once steeped the smell was more nutty, and buttery, with the malty aroma taking the backseat.
What Teavivre says about their Dragon Well:
A premium grade, classic green tea that, for good reason, is renowned as China’s best tea
Grown in Xihu near Hangzhou in province Zhejiang
Flattened tea leaves, with one bud and one or two leaves
Pale green yellow when brewed
A subtle, rich, orchid like taste and aroma, with no hint of bitterness.
Low caffeine (less than 10% of a cup of coffee)
1-2 teaspoons for 8oz of water. Brew at 176 ºF (80 ºC) for 1 to 2 minutes
XiHu (West Lake) Dragon Well green tea, or Long Jing as it is known in China, is commonly regarded as one of China’s top ten teas, and is often served to visiting head’s of states. TeaVivre’s grade 1 Long Jing tea is an absolutely fantastic example of this tea. Mostly handmade it has no hint of bitterness, instead it has a delightfully subtle classic green tea taste and aromatic scent.
My first attempt yielded a very light liquor and the taste for me was lacking so I put the tea back in to steep for another minute. Steeping recommendation is for 1 to 2 minutes, however I had to go 3 as it was far too weak for me at 2. Recommended steeping temperature is 176 ºF (80 ºC).
After the additional minute the flavor was perfect! Slightly grassy, with a slight seaweed taste and a little salty. A few sips in I was tasting a wonderful nutty, buttery, and slightly floral flavor. As I allowed the tea to cool some the malty almost maple flavor was coming through. Oh yes there is my malty flavor I was so looking forward to. The yummy maple flavor does become more prominent as the tea cools. A naturally sweet tea with no astringency or bitterness! This tea is not as vegetal as many greens and has more of a mineral note taking the forefront, complimented by the buttery, creamy, mouthfeel.
I love this tea, and I know I have said this a lot recently, but it is a wonderful tea for summer. It’s not as daunting and heavy as many similar teas. This tea has a light carefree appeal in my opinion and while I often prefer a heavier taste to my teas of choice, with summer brewing, I will be brewing this light and crisp delight often!
Recent Comments
"Licorice and peppermint sounds delicious. I love the packaging of this tea too. It looks really fresh and funky! Best wishes, Alex"
Fruit Infusion said, in reply to Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka on May 7, 2013 at 8:44 am
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Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka
"Looks way good, I already want to have it now. Thanks for the post"
Sarah said, in reply to Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka on May 6, 2013 at 8:27 am
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Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka
"I am a tea drinker and this cocoa shell tea has been a bit of a revelation for me. I was looking for an alternative, change of pace source of caffeine for my weekends and this fits the bill. One tablespoon brewed for 10 minutes provides a subtle chocolate taste with about the same level of caffeine as green tea, which is perfect for me. I am trying to..."
David S Pollock said, in reply to Cacao Tea from Tisano on April 29, 2013 at 12:41 pm
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"Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka: A light refreshing tea with strong punch flavours! http://t.co/7R3PADFvz6"
TeaForDummies (@TeaForDummies) said, in reply to Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka on April 25, 2013 at 3:45 am
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Peppermint and Licorice from Pukka
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"Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas: A very rich and hearty nut taste, almost like a nutty dessert. Try it with a sl… http://t.co/jTjcwWbov9"
TeaForDummies (@TeaForDummies) said, in reply to Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas on April 24, 2013 at 6:02 am
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Tea Review Blog (@teareviewblog) said, in reply to Chestnut Tea from Adagio Teas on April 24, 2013 at 5:12 am
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