Jinggu "Da Jin Ya" Camellia Taliensis Black Tea

Spring 2021 batch.

Prepared in my Jian Shui gaiwan, and served in my porcelain tea cup via my glass cha hai. Filtered Santa Monica municipal water just off the boil throughout.

Pure gold, large, straight, fuzzy leaves (buds?) – dry, it has a mild yet distinctive aroma. Hints of hay, beeswax, pencil shavings, and nectarine.

Butterscotch to hazy sunrise gradient in the glass.

Infused, gentle sweet aromatics suggest yam, light malt, and apricot. Low floral/spice (saffron?) notes as well.

Distinctive yet subtle flavor profile with hints of summer fruit, johnny cakes, and chestnut. Long quiet finish has a faint cocoa quality. Deep and smooth.

Notably rich mouth-feel, medium-thick, with very low bitterness throughout.

Subsequent to my purchase, I’ve read that this variety is endangered. While the vendor describes the source as a “plantation” (suggesting cultivated rather than wild plants), I’d want to know more about the tea’s conservation status before making future purchases.

I tried the Spring 2020 version. It is a very attractive tea, with shiny, fuzzy, metallic golden leaves. The dry leaves smell like apricots. The brew smells like caramel and overripe apricots. The taste isn’t overly sweet; it’s somewhat malty, and very reminiscent of dried apricots.