Ancient Cypress Forest Winter Sprout
A minimum intervention grown tea from high elevation garden called Cypress Grove (Shen Mu Qu) near Alishan. This particular batch was harvested as ‘Winter Sprout’ or Dong Pian (Late Winter Harvest). The late Winter bud is just poking through and the space between the leaves on the stem is very short, signs of the extra cold weather that crafted this unique tasting tea. I always feel like Winter Sprout tea has a very light slightly earthy umami character like a extremely delicate dashi stock made with dried white mushrooms.
Deep jade-gold color of the broth has an oily texture that can be seen. The tea is very light and unroasted, hence it has the fresh creamy floral notes that we love in high mountain oolong. However, it is at the same time quite rich and bouncy. Light on its feet, it has a speed and agility that fills the mouth quickly and moves to the throat with a long lasting Hou Yun (throat aftertaste).
Along with a full viscous texture that is extremely light on the tongue, this makes for an incredibly singular and refreshing tea drinking experience. Not like anything we’ve tasted.
Facts
- Harvest Location : Shenmu Qu, Taiwan
- Harvest Date : December 2023
- Cultivar : Qing Xin
- Farming Method : Minimum intervention, unsprayed 野放