This produced a cup that was lightly vegetal with this hint of floral honeyed sweetness that escapes the moment you try to focus on it. A mild but pleasing tea that requires a clean palette and some quiet to get to know.
China Taiping Houkui
The tea is entirely handmade following a century old method of using a cloth covered wooden block to press the bold leaves against the top of a charcoal fired bamboo oven. If you look closely at the leaves, you can see the pattern left by the woven cloth, resembling the graceful wings of a dragonfly.
Recommendations: Use 1 tablespoon 6 oz. cup; heat fresh, cold water until steaming (170 – 185° F); let steep for 2 min. Good for multiple infusions.
