HEAVEN WATER
Rain from Heaven into my Vase, Then baked in hot water to eat as a Dessert. Use Tongs, Flowers sink to the Bottom. Photos from this Hillside are Missing?
Green Snail Spring - "Bi Luo Chun" - embodies much of what is wonderful about the spring tea harvest. Perhaps no green tea cups to the rich flavors of the season as this one. Ours is a first-grade leaf harvested in a pluck in the first week of April before the Qing Ming holiday. Timing is critical as these prized bud sets must be plucked at just the right time and then processed. The leaves are small and delicate, as a result processing can be very challenging.
Lot Notes. For this year's lot, we selected one more to the green side as it offers a wonderful sweetness. The leaves are small, uniform, and elegant in classic spiral shapes. Aroma is well-balanced and fresh. In tasting, we found this lot held a special flavor, well-capturing the fresh notes of early spring. It steeps to a cloudy, broth-like cup color (characteristic of China's vegetal sweet green cultivars). Taste is clean. Harvested in April 2024. Lot #4.
Tea Facts. This tea is one of China's Famous Teas. This lot was picked pre-Qing Ming. Processed entirely by hand. As the leaves unfurl in steeping, they will spiral to the bottom.
Tasting Notes. The leaves are tender and complex offering a range of flavors from asparagus to notes of chestnut. We notice a peach flavor as well. Decidedly vegetal. The liquor is soft, silky.
Brewing Suggestions. Use a round teaspoon or 2.5 - 3 grams for 6-8 ounces of water at a lower temperature of 176-185 F., as the leaves are delicate. Steep for 1.5-2 minutes and taste. Leaves should yield 2-3 steeps.