A style of Dragon Well rarely found in the U.S. Elegant in appearance, offering an exquisite aroma, this Lung Ching cultivar is noticeably smaller in leaf than the more widely known Dragon Wells. The leaf appearance is strikingly green with ample golden coloration. Leaf is wok fired. Harvested in the third week of April 2024. Lot #4.
Lot Notes. Grown outside the greater Hangzhou area of Zhejiang Province. Farm-factory focuses to varieties of Dragon Well made primarily for China's domestic tea drinkers. The leaves are very consistent in shape and small leaf size. Aroma is inviting. Tastes wonderful - offering very pleasing flavors.
Tea Facts. A cultivar of a wild tea with origins in the Jiukeng area of Anhui Province. Harvest is early spring. Smaller lots are wok fired.
Tasting Notes. Tasting the offered lot, the first steep offered a sweet and refreshingly nutty cup. Plenty of aroma is evident. Second steep, soft yet fresh vegetal notes and lite flavors of chestnut come through. The leaves will cup to light-yellow and clean liquor and a sweet, lingering aftertaste.
Brewing Suggestions. A level tablespoon (2-2.5 grams) is our recommendation for 6-8 ounces of water. Water temperature is perhaps best slightly lower at 185-195 degrees F to preserve the teas softer notes. Steep for two minutes and taste.
GREEN TEA
3 grams/1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water
170° - 195° F
2 Minutes
Full-leaf green teas will open to layered, delicate flavors. The freshly picked leaves are dehydrated to prevent oxidization and preserve their natural green color. Japanese green teas are steamed to preserve their fresh aromas and flavor notes. It is best if green tea is not brewed with boiling water.
Lower temperature water allows the leaves to steep slowly, preserving their natural sweetness. Green teas and yellow teas offer a gentle vegetal aroma. In the mouth, flavors range from spring asparagus and delicate notes of sorrel and raw vegetables to herbaceous and nutty.
-
Dragon Well "Jiukeng"
First steep plenty of aroma and refreshing flavors. Second steep fresh vegetal flavors. Lingering aftertaste but not overwhelmingly green. Like to make time and enjoy this one. Drink it when I feel a need to treat myself or help me focus.
-
Special Dragonwell
I love this particular version of my favorite Dragonwell green tea. Its flavor is very distinctive, smooth and mild with no bitterness.
-
"Jiukeng" Dragon Well
4+ stars: I usually buy the 2nd grade organic (currently out of stock) which is amazingly good and a great price. In lieu of that, this is really excellent tea - extremely clear and sweet and perfect strength. Four stars not five because it is pricier than the other (though less than 1st grade which is not at all worth the extra money).