#TodaysTea – Spring, 2016; var. xiao zhong; Tongmuguan, Chongan, Wuyishan, Nanping, Fujian; young leaves; ; 1100-1400m.

Infusion: 5g in 150ml for 1-2min.@95-100deg. C

Dry leaf aroma: mildly smokey, chocolate, malt, cassia bark, dried orange peel;
Wet leaf aroma: sharp, acrid, wet burnt coals, wood smoke;
Liquor: deep orange colour with faint, vegetal aroma with hints of bitter orange, & dried tangerine peel;
Mouthfeel: thin, watery, mildly astringent, mint/pepper freshness in the aftertaste,
Taste: mildly nutty and malty-sweet, hints of bitter orange and lavender, with a touch of ginger, and smokey undertones in the finish;

Opinion: This was one of the first tea gifts we received several years ago; and I’ve kind of, sat on it, kept it in storage, Sampling every now and then. I’m not a fan of the heavily scented, Earl Grey, our teas with a similar flavor profile, so LSSC has always been difficult for me. However in recent times I’ve started to appreciate the nuances in this Tea style.