Let’s Get to the Good Stuff, the Tasting…

So here were these beautiful dry leaves in my cup… they were very fine, thin and delicate. Their color was sort of two toned, and very distinct, between a kind of white, moving to a slight beige, but mostly a dark, rich jade green. There was a very clear definition of the leaves, that were tightly rolled. Now, on to that wonderful aroma – VERY aromatic! It was freshly cut, spring grass, and cooked spinach. There were definite vegetal notes, like a lovely springtime day. Dare I say… meadowy – is that a word? Also, some very light floral notes, nothing very sweet, but delicate and light… elderflower maybe?

The Infused Leaves and the Aroma has Changed…

Now, I got a little bit of artichoke, spinach pies, with a little saltiness, kind of like marine salt and a bit of butteriness. YUM!!! The infused leaves were perfect little coils of green. Their color was vibrant! The dark jade green leaves changed into a rich verdant green and the white buds became a beautiful kind of white apple green.

First Infusion…

I used 6 grams of tea in a Gawain, with 180 milliliters of water at 80 degrees centigrade/175 degrees Fahrenheit. Bi Luo Chun is known for its sensitivity to brewing – so treat with kid gloves.  Please do not brew too hot or you will scorch the leaves!  My first infusion was 1 minute. The infused liquor was a gorgeous citrine yellow, slightly iridescent, almost florescent. The taste… divine! The depth was very rich, with a slight saltiness. There was less of the springtime grass and more of the vegetables, buttered spinach, artichokes, and asparagus. Brothy, but at the same time, savory sweet, with a very subtle hint of flowers – elderflowers? The mouthfeel was dry to cooling, with no astringency.

Second Infusion… 

Once again, I infused for 1 minute. Ultimately, I got 4 delicious infusions from the leaves. I did gradually increase steeping time and water temperature for those subsequent brewing’s. The second cup was just as perfect as the first, but with more intensity and richness.   The liquor was still a luscious color, with perhaps more floral notes, and very juicy in the mouth. So, I continued infusions and each became a little earthier with a bolder presence but a lighter overall flavor. Also, a little darker than the first two infusions, perhaps because the hotter water and 30 seconds of extra steeping time, for each additional infusion.

I am here to tell you green teas are usually not my go to teas, BUT this green tea is sublime!  Refreshing, clear and light, with a lovely, pleasant and intoxicating aroma. Yes, if you get the REAL DEAL Bi Luo Chun it is very expensive, but this is because of its rarity. It IS worth the high price tag for this unusual and very interesting tea. A resounding BIG 5 on my rating scale!

Rating Scale

All teas will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 for dislike and 5 as love:

1. Dislike (I didn’t like the tea and would not repurchase)
2. Passable (I didn’t dislike the tea, but I didn’t think it was very good)
3. Average (I didn’t find it good or bad and would drink it again)
4. Good (I liked it but it and may repurchase)
5. Love (I enjoyed it lot and would repurchase)

Next… The Letter C