Bamboo Forest (Unsmoked Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong)

SUMMARY

Type: Red (black) Tea
Origin: Tongmu Village, Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China
Producer: Mr Chen

Traditional Lapsang Souchong (正山小种) was the first Red (Black) tea ever created. Traditionally, this type of tea is a smoked tea that's been very popular in the West for many decades. In 2005, the people of Tongmu village developed a non-smokey type of Lapsang Souchong, which has since became more popular than the traditional smoked version within China. 

This non-smokey Lapsang Souchong Black Tea was grown and produced in Tongmu village, which is located in the Wuyi Mountains in northern Fujian province. Located within the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve (a restricted access zone), the tea is grown at an altitude of 1200m and in areas surrounded by a lot of bamboo trees (hence the name). This growing environment has no doubt had an effect on giving this tea it's unique flavour profile and characteristics.  

TASTING NOTES

This non-smokey Lapsang Souchong Black teas has a malty flavour with a rich sugarcane sweetness, delicate floral notes and light hints of citrus. 

PREPARATION

 Teapot steep

  5g per 300ml of water
  90 degrees Celsius
  2mins per infusion (up to 3 infusions)

 Gong-Fu style (preferred method)

  5g per 60 – 100ml of water
  90 degrees Celsius
  10 secs per infusion* (up to 6 infusions)

*First infusion is a quick 3 – 5 sec rinse and isn't drunk.

 Cold Brew

  5g per 500ml of water
  Cold water
  8hrs in the fridge

STORAGE

Proper tea storage is super important. Improper storage leads to flat, flavourless and potentially weird tasting tea. So as a rule of thumb, keep your tea leaves in an airtight container (the less air inside the better) and away from heat, light, moisture and strong odours.