C. sinensis var. big pekoe; Yunnan Natural Agritech Co., Jinggu County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, 950-1000m; Autumn, 2020; 1 bud and 1-2 leaves, native moonlight white tea process; #TodaysTea, #今天的茶, #JīnTiāndeChá#Tea, #茶, #Chá.

The dry leaves are large, dark on one side, light on the other, with thick, hairy, whitish buds, and smell of apricot, peach, and a touch of passion fruit. The wet leaves and buds have a glossy green and brown appearance and possess a heady smell of sweet musk candy, and honey, underpinned by a hint of allspice.

3-4g of leaves were steeped in 150ml of water 20-30sec. at 85-95deg. C producing a bright, crystal clear, golden coloured liquor, with a faint, sweet, Belgian candy-sugar scent. In the mouth it is thick, creamy, sweet, stimulating, and mouthwatering with a long, lingering, sweet finish, while the taste is fruity, with hints of peach, candy, and honey melon, with a mild, orchid-like, retronasal finish.

I’m reading an ARI Working Paper entitled, “Opiate of the Masses with Chinese Characteristics: Recent Chinese Scholarship on the Meaning and Future of Religion,“ and I can’t think of a better tea to drink whilst immersed in scholarly reflection. I don’t spend enough time reading for pleasure, but I should. This tea is a delight for the senses from start to finish. It’s soft, non-aggressive character makes itself quietly and welcomely known in a comforting and supportive manner. A great tea to drink when reading for pleasure or study, or simply for self-indulgent navel-gazing, well… contemplative meditation.