Qian Liang Cha 2013An alluring portrayal of reclusion, this hei cha tucked away since 2013 has developed unique qualities worthy of discovery. Undressing the compressed tea, a buoyant perfume of pond lilies and watermelon arises from the wrapping paper, a surprising contrast to the unshapely brown matter that has seen ten years of decomposition. For the transformation, mao cha is steamed and packed tightly into cylindrical baskets between layers of reed leaves and palm

Like a birthmark of place

barely peach-fuzzed buds open with a gently spicy aroma over a crisp and starchy body

shi men) design

spreading the lines onto the sides of the spout and the turgid handle to leave them unfinished and uncanny

mind-expanding in its complexity and body effect

Despite rapid growth

lifted by gardenia and honeysuckle

Master Chen brewing two of his traditional Tieguanyin during our visit to his factory

as it contrasts the goldenrod figure on its lid: a Buddha's hand citrus

who’s aware of the crazy wonders that can be produced by the pressure

and caramel-sweet liquor mirrors these notes

A premium matcha rich in umami from Uji