This is yet another instance where our love of Yiwu region teas is validated. As this tea’s noticeable chaqi/energy takes you higher, the in-flight service offers a floral fragrance, slight citrus note, and nectar sweetness. The flavour coats and sticks to the mouth, creating a full feeling. Although there is plenty of flavour to hold on to, this tea is classically soft and sweet, with minimal bitterness, as a good Yiwu tea should be. Unsurprisingly, this tea owes much of its good qualities to the incredible environment it comes from. Located just next to the border with Laos and a stone’s throw from Wangong and Bohetang, Tianmenshan features plenty of gaogan (tall pole) tea trees. These ancient trees lie in a remote, well-protected forest environment. Just getting to the land requires significant effort, not to mention the difficulty and risk to pick these 10-30 meters tall giants. Similar to this year’s Wanderlust, we feel this tea outperforms for its price, even as a premium offering. $1.10/gram Region: Tianmenshan, Yiwu, Xishuangbanna Prefecture Picking Period: April 3-9
