Shou Mei 2014

It's truly fantastic to see (taste) how freshly-gathered leaves, prudently sequestered from the elements, can transform from bright and almost painfully fresh in character to something so deep, aromatic, and sweet. This Shou Mei demonstrates just that, exuding a full, honeyed aroma from the dark, fuzzy leaves and producing a liquor with the flavor of dense fruitcake or panaforte and light, crispy spa wafers. It manages to hit that rare middle of being both grounding and enlivening, and will pair well with tea snacks both sweet and savory.
  • ORIGIN:  Lingtou, Panxi, Fuding, Ningde, Fujian, China
  • MEANING:  Longevity eyebrow (shou mei)
  • CULTIVAR:  Fuding Da Hao
  • HARVEST TIME:  Spring 2014
  • TASTE:  Fruitcake, spa wafer, honey
1
$11.00

Preparation

IN THE TEAPOT
  • Quantity: 6g / 500ml
  • Water temperature: 90°C
  • Infusion time: 5 min
GONGFU CHA METHOD
  • Quantity: 3g / 100ml
  • Water temperature: 90°C
  • 4 infusions: 45, 45, 60, 90 sec

For best results in gongfu cha, brew in the traditional gaiwan or in a Yixing teapot. Too high water temperature would burn the leaves, resulting in bitter taste.