In my previous post I shared some background information about Meng Ding Huang Ya.

The Dry Leaves…

From the bag smelt like salted almonds with herby, and vegetal undertones. Visually the leaves reminded me somewhat like Bai Hao Yin Zhen/silver needle, but with a more tarnished dusty yellow/light brown color, slightly smaller, and more compressed and flat.

https://www.teaspring.com/Meng-Ding-Huang-Ya.asp

Brewing…

I used my gaiwan with 3 grams of tea and a 110 ml of water. The water temperature was 175 degrees Fahrenheit. My first infusion was for one minute and subsequent infusions were for an additional one minute. By the third infusion the flavor seemed to diminish quickly – gone were those luscious nutty notes and replaced with a cup similar to a generic white tea. This was my least favorite infusion and it was a good place to stop steeping, even though I think I could have gotten at least one more decent infusion.

The Cup…

What a treat –expensive and hard to find – but well worth the search and the money! The first sip was soft and elegant, and the aroma melted deep into the liquor presenting a powerful lingering experience. The liquor was a delicate, pale green, with the aroma of mildly cooked greens, yams and with almond notes remaining faintly in the background. The vegetal notes were not overwhelming, and the end result was an exquisite cup- light with a delicate flavor reminiscent of the very lightest of green teas but ending with nutty brew with a sweet finish. It was superbly smooth and full-bodied balanced with a mellow and refreshing aftertaste.

This was a very elegant tea, truly a tribute tea, worthy of any Emperor!  It had a flavor that was subtle and light but well- concentrated and exceptionally fragrant when steeped – stunningly delicious and full of life. A sensational and unique tea experience.  This one was off the the 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… N is for Nagatani Soen