Jin Jun Mei (Golden Eyebrow)

Additional notes: I had to try the remainder of my sample again, since Nicole is such a fan (and she is the one who sent it over – I don’t like steeping teas less than perfectly if someone who sent them is such a fan!) I only went with one teaspoon last time and I definitely thought it was too light. This time I had a teaspoon and a half left… it really should have been two! It is much better this time. Last time it somehow reminded me of a Darjeeling. Now at the top of the medium amber cup, there is an interesting tanginess I don’t usually find in black teas except maybe the ancient/wild leaf. Then hints of chocolate, baked bread and sweet potato maybe a little smokiness and wine but while maintaining a malty sweetness. Everything I love to find in a great black tea. I can only imagine how lovely it would be with two teaspoons! Well, now I don’t have to feel guilty that one of Nicole’s beloved teas remains in the cupboard. Thanks again, Nicole! Raising the rating from a 75.
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 tsp // 8 minutes after boiling // 3 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 4 minute steep

I split this one with Nicole during Min River’s closing sale. Which is too bad too, because this is one of the better Jin Jun Mei’s I have tried. And that is saying something. I have had a great deal of this type of tea, and it is still my favorite Chinese black. Nothing can beat it’s teeny curly leaves. The golden fuzzies and the deep chocolately brown dry leaf gives me a hint to what is is store for me: I am smelling sweet potato fries and lightly toasted multigrain bread.

The subsequent steepings are so nice and silky. The thick soup is a glowing golden brown. There are a lot of floating fuzzies chillen in my cha hai. I kinda like that. It appeases my hangover quite nicely. I used a strainer on top and had a nice glob of them clinging to the bottom.

As to the taste, well, you know how it goes. Malty and rich with bread crusts and milk chocolate richness and crunchy shoestring sweet potatoes. Typical of this type of tea and atypically delicious.

Got a sample of this in Nicole’s Christmas card!
Personally, this is wayyy too strong for me. Steeped it for a little less than what it says to steep on Here.
But yeah, it’s still way too strong. XD I can’t even pick out any flavors, it’s just really strong. Did not expect that. xD So yeah, not a fan.
But thanks for letting me try, Nicole! :D

Nicole sent some of this my way and it’s very different than the jin jun mei i had earlier today from life in teacup. haha this one is a little too intense for me. Still though, as always, i’m happy to try new teas and appreciate the share!

Om nom nom. Time to stop hoarding the beloveds. I can’t in good cupboard conscience start the search for a replacement for this out of business gem while I still have quite a bit of it left.

Gawd, this is uh-maze-ing tea.