Aroma:
These dry leaves create an herbaceous bouquet of gardenia, orchid and soft melon. This turns into a thick, perfumed scent with layers of freesia, jasmine and a hint of creamy sweetness when steeped. A green freshness - like spring leaves after rain - offsets the floral high notes with a cool vegetal clarity.
Taste:
This tea is delicately floral and crisp and has fresh green tones with fruit sweetness. Expect honeysuckle, white peach and young pear with a herbal edge. Its light oxidation (8-15%) lets the floral and leafy characteristics of the cultivar show without the roasted or buttery notes of more heavily processed oolongs. Some steeps may have faint cucumber or green melon notes.
Mouthfeel:
Sour, clean and almost juicy. Its texture is thin and bright compared to creamier oolongs like Jin Xuan but has a spring-water lightness that is refreshing and elegant. It lifts quickly over the palate and shows little or no astringency.
Finish:
The finish is long, floral and crisp with some sweetness that fades to dew-like freshness. Eventually a slight mineral edge may appear, making the mouth cool and lightly fragrant. The aftertaste changes with age so this tea is best enjoyed over several steeps.
Liquor colour:
Light jade to soft yellow-green, very clear in cup with low oxidation and minimal roasting.
Lovely with:
Begin with cucumber sandwiches, fresh fruit, or white fish. Pairs well with steamed dumplings, jasmine rice dishes, or alone in quiet moments. It is also a good base for exploring floral tea blends or cold brewing for a chilled treat.