A magnificent example of Red Jade, this is probably one of the highest-quality representations of the cultivar that is available anywhere. To me, this one stands out for the depth of its flavor profile. It strikes a perfect balance between seemingly-opposite flavors & sensations: the aromatics are light and fragrant, they diffuse easily in the air and you can smell the wet leaf from several feet away. In the cup, the soup is brothy and thick with oily qualities that sink deeply into the palate and create a very long-lasting aftertaste. The whole experience is harmonized, and there is good symmetry between the aromatics in the air and the flavors in the cup. Upon the initial rinse, the aroma of the wet leaf reminds me strongly of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) – it’s thick, phenolic, and has a tannin-like quality that has a gentle astringency to it. Once the fruity notes dissipate, a woodsy and spicy quality comes forward to greet the palate. From start to finish, the complex fruity and earthy notes are wrapped up in potent notes of spearmint, wintergreen, and birch leaves. I buy this tea to share with friends & family because it will easily impress anybody, even the most discerning tea aficionados. I’ve snuck a few cups out as I have shared, and it always impresses me too. I would highly recommend buying this tea and the Hong Yu White Tea that is also available in Tea Hong’s catalog. Brewing them up side-by-side is an excellent idea, as they are both the same cultivar, processed in different ways.
