Pre Qing-Ming Long Jing

Backlogging, and based on my notes and on a fairly recent tasting

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 (the tea is listed as 2011 early spring harvest).

Appearance and aroma of dry leaf: Standard look and aroma of any other quality Long Jing I have seen: deep-green sword-shaped leaves, with a fresh, nutty, and some other pleasant aroma that is both hearty and light.

Brewing guidelines: Glass Bodum pot, leaf free to roam; stevia added.
……….1st: 170; 1’…….Mild, but good: sweet, vegetal, nutty
……….2nd: 175; 1.5’….Decent amount of flavor
……….3rd: 180; 2’……..Very mild flavor
……….4th: 185; 2.5’…..Not much flavor

Color and aroma of tea liquor: Very light green in color; mild, standard Long Jing aroma.

Flavor of tea liquor: My wife and I both like the sweet, nutty and vegetal flavor of this green tea.

Appearance and aroma of wet leaf: Impressive, especially for the price. This seems to be from a true Mao Feng (two leaves and a bud) pluck. Leaves on top during all steepings.

Blends well with: I have blended this with much success with at least one other green tea.

Value: About the best price I have found for a decent Long Jing, at about $2/oz.

Overall: This tea literally has a front row place on our teas shelf due to the solid position it holds in our green tea retinue: it is well priced, composed of fresh, good-looking leaf, and fairs well enough in the flavor department. Until recently (due to tasting lots of samples and getting new teas) we have been drinking this tea regularly. I plan to start brewing it more regularly again, and I will likely buy more of it if-and-when I make a purchase from Jing Tea Shop after the 2012 spring green teas become available.

A great tea that reminds me of my childhood. I left the leaves in the bottom of the mug and just drank it like that. It has the same aftertaste as ever.