The classic Lu Shan Yun Wu was one of the first green teas I got from YS and I really liked it back then. This year, an imperial version is offered, which I added to one of my orders. It turned out to be a great decision, this is one of the best green teas I have ever had!
The dry leaves smell of grass, cookies and algae. In a preheated gaiwan, sweet, nutty and toasty aromas emerge. Smell of the wet leaves reminds me of the classic Lu Shan Yun Wu a lot. It is vegetal and buttery with notes of aubergine, lemon balm, guava, white grapes and cooked white fish.
I used 5g with the parameters being 75°C/30s/70ml, 75°C/20s/120ml, 80°C/70s/120ml (I lost track of the subsequent infusions).
The first steep has a strong umami as expected with a nice bitterness and no astringency. It is crisp with an aromatic finish and somewhat dry aftertaste. I notice flavours of citrus zest, courgette, grass. The mouthfeel is very coating and slick with good viscosity.
I made the second steep a bit too light, but it picked out a lot of floral components of the tea and created a super soft, velvety texture. It tastes sweet and briny and a bit like seaweed. Despite being a lighter infusion, the combined aftertaste of the first two is pungent and protracted.
Third infusion sees a return of some bitterness and a fairly tart backbone, but overall it is still very balanced taste. The cha qi is very noticeable now too, bringing clarity and alertness. I feel warmth spreading through my whole body.
Highly recommended!
Song pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_O4BrwHWH4
Flavors: Bitter, Butter, Citrus Zest, Fish Broth, Grass, Green, Green Wood, Guava, Nutty, Roasted Nuts, Seaweed, Sweet, Tart, Thick, Umami, Vegetables, Vegetal, White Grapes, Zucchini
