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Always on the hunt for new and interesting teas, What-Cha has recently acquired three new black Chinese teas. One is a pearl, another is a loose leaf and the final one is a cake.
Read on for more information about these teas.
China Fujian Zhangping Shui Xian Pearl Black Tea
China Fujian Zhangping Shui Xian Pearl was harvested in spring 2015 near Nanyang village, Zhangping, Fujian, China. The cultivar is Shui Xian.
The leaves cup out a medium-dark golden liquor that has a honey-like aroma. The liquor is smooth and slightly thick, and it has layers of aroma and flavours, including malty, sweet, chocolatey, honey and raisin/dried fruits. It provides a coating, lingering aftertaste that settles in the throat and has sweet and malty notes.
Water temperature: 90 to 95C / 194 to 203F
Water quantity: 140ml / 4.7oz (USA)
Tea quantity: 3g / .11oz
Infusion times: 30s, 45s, 1m, 1m 15s, 1m 30s
Infusions possible: 4 to 6
Teaware used: Yixing teapot (gong fu style)
Retail price: 1 pearl (9 grams) for £1.60 / 5 pearls (45 grams) for £6.40 / 10 pearls (90 grams) for £11.52
China Shandong Laoshan Black Tea
China Shandong Laoshan was harvested in early June 2015 on the Dong Tao farm in Laoshan, Shandong Province, China. The cultivar is Longjing No.43. Dong Tao has been growing tea the last two decades. One growing technique that gives this Laoshan a special flavour is that Dong Tao exposes the tea plants to the elements year-round.
This tea cups out a copper-coloured liquor that a sweet, slightly malty aroma. The liquor is medium-bodied, provides a thick mouthfeel and is sweet. I detect chocolatey and honey-like flavours. The liquor gives off a lingering chocolate aftertaste.
Water temperature: 90C / 194F
Water quantity: 140ml / 4.7oz (USA)
Tea quantity: 3g / .11oz
Infusion times: 30s, 45s, 1m, 1m 15s, 1m 30s
Infusions possible: 5 to 6
Teaware used: Yixing teapot (gong fu style). A glass teapot would also work well.
Retail price: 1 pearl (9 grams) for £1.60 / 5 pearls (45 grams) for £6.40 / 10 pearls (90 grams) for £11.52
China Fujian Zhangping Shui Xian Cake Black Tea
China Fujian Zhangping Shui Xian Cake was harvested in spring 2015 near Nanyang village, Zhangping, Fujian, China. The cultivar is Shui Xian.
This tea cups out a golden-coloured liquor with sweet and floral notes. The liquor is medium-bodied, refreshing, smooth, and has honey, chocolate and subtle floral flavours. The tea finishes with a punch of sweetness, but it doesn’t has a lingering aftertaste. Rather, it feels clean and refreshing on the palate.
Water temperature: 90 to 95C / 194 to 203F
Water quantity: 140ml / 4.7oz (USA)
Tea quantity: 3g / .11oz
Infusion times: 30s, 45s, 1m, 1m 15s, 1m 30s
Infusions possible: 4 to 6
Teaware used: Yixing teapot (gong fu style). This tea is also good for bowl brewing.
Retail price: 1 pearl (9 grams) for £1.60 / 5 pearls (45 grams) for £6.40 / 10 pearls (90 grams) for £11.52
Conclusions
Over the past six months I have developed a great fondness for Chinese black teas, so getting to try these three teas was an early Christmas gift. I would highly recommend trying all three of these teas, but the Zhangping Shui Xian Cake is my favourite. Whilst it is similar to the Fujian Zhangping Shui Xian Pearl, I feel that it has a subtle layer of floralness that gives it more complexity and really perked my interest. But they are both incredibly smooth and tasty teas, and I like the experience of breaking apart the cake or pearl to prepare it. The Shandong Laoshan also has distinct sweet notes, but it offers a very different drinking experience. It has a richer, thicker liquor that has chocolatey and honey-like notes. People who are interested in Taiwanese black teas should give it a try. The tea oozes quality from the appearance of the dry leaf to its refined aroma and flavour.
