Master Luo’s West Lake Long Jing – Qing Dynasty 27/03/2023 WuYunShan

A Long Jing (Dragonwell) green tea grown, hand-picked and handmade in Wuyunshan (五云山) one of the famous areas within the tiny 1km by 5km Xi Hu (West Lake) area famous for Long Jing production. This tea has been grown and hand-fired by Master Luo, three time winner of the Long Jing Firing King title.

This tea has been made with the traditional Jiu Keng Group cultivars that have been in decline since the emergence of the earlier-budding No.43 cultivar. Although generally less aromatic and sweet than teas made with No. 43, the slower growth and longer roots of Master Luo’s 150-200 year old trees lend a deeper taste and thicker texture.

This tea was fired on the 27th of March before Qingming the date in the lunar calendar which has historically demarcated the price and quality of Long Jing. Whether you prefer this to the No. 43 teas is a matter of taste, but this Long Jing from Wuyun Shan has a stronger body and is much rounder, with a fresh, bright lime leaf quality followed by a light umami and crisp salinity and pear like sweetness. More so than the No.43 this tea has a longevity in the mouth and throat coating sweetness with a chestnut and light marzipan profile.  The astringency, even when brewed with boiling water, is gentle and reminiscent of a nut kernel bitterness. An excellent example of China’s greatest green tea by one of the country’s most famous tea makers.

ORIGIN
Master Luo WuYunShan, Xi Hu, Hangzhou, China

SIZE OF FARM
5 acres

PLANTS AND PROCESSING
Camellia Sinensis Sinensis, Da Zhong Pin (Jiu Keng Group) cultivar, 150-200 year old trees. Pan-fired. Harvested and fired March 27th 2023.

BREWING GUIDELINE
90°C, 3-4g per 150ml. 4 infusions.

PLEASE NOTE
Caddy option is only available online or via ‘Collect from Postcard Teas’ for shop collection, two working days after purchase.