Those who remember our previous Xinyang Maojian may recognise this brisk and clean tasting tea from the alpine regions of Henan. Despite its Maojian ‘downy buds’ classification, this vintage suggests a later harvest, presenting predominantly leaves over buds in the cup. Having been harvested at the turn of spring to summer, and just at the beginning of the rainy season, the dark and twisted leaves release the crisp and vegetal fragrance of alfalfa sprouts through a subtly nutty body when finally given the application of water. The liquor has vigour and astringency, leaving the mouth arid and dry like a sufficiently hopped beverage.