NOTE: I am writing this review after having brewed it up many times since I first tried it.
Experience buying from Jing Tea Shop http://steepster.com/places/2780-jing-tea-shop-on-line—
Age of leaf: I received this tea in early June 2011 and brewed it as soon as I got it and many times thereafter (the tea is listed as 2011 early spring harvest).
Appearance and aroma of dry leaf: lots of straight, dark green gently curved leaves and buds (which seems to be characteristic of HSMF green tea); vegetal, smoky.
Brewing guidelines: I used my standard green tea parameters: loose in glass Bodum pot; four 8-ounce cups of water used; Stevia added to compliment flavor.
…………….1st: 170, 1’
…………….2nd: 175, 1.5’
…………….3rd: 180, 2’
…………….4th: 190, 2.5’
Aroma: slightly smoky.
Color of liquor: light yellow.
Wet leaf: lots of bud sets, and a number of buds, whole leaves, and virtually no stems: beautiful.
Blends well with: other smoky green teas, like green Yunnans.
Flavor: fresh, vegetal, smoky.
Value: This tea is a bargain for under $3 an ounce.
Overall: Of the four HSMF teas I have tried, I think this one is my favorite. Although this one did not have very flavorful third and forth steepings, overall I like the aroma, the look of the leaves (dry, wet, and while steeping), and the smoky green tea flavor—-all which seem to be characteristic of HSMF. Although for various reasons I currently drink this tea on occasion, I could easily drink this tea on a regular basis.