Superior Top Picked Dragon Well Green Tea (Updated Nov 2024)
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Dragon Well: Sweet Elegance from Xihu
Dragon Well, or 龍井茶 (龙井茶), is one of China’s most treasured green teas, and this particular batch represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship as a Tou Cai (頭採/头采) tea. The term Tou Cai, meaning "top-picked" or "head-picked," refers to the very first harvest of the season. This is when only the youngest, tender buds and the smallest leaves are plucked by skilled hands, ensuring the tea’s exceptional quality and flavor.
Sourced from the historic West Lake (西湖) region of Hangzhou, this Tou Cai Dragon Well reflects the pristine environment and artisanal care that define its heritage. Unlike many Dragon Well teas that can turn bitter or develop off-flavors, this tea is remarkably smooth and sweet, reminiscent of morning dew on fresh leaves. It carries none of the sour or harsh notes often found in lower-quality Dragon Well teas flooding the market. Instead, every sip offers a gentle, natural sweetness that lingers gracefully on the palate.
Crafted using the traditional pan-firing method, this tea undergoes a meticulous process to preserve its vibrant character. Tea masters carefully flatten and shape each leaf by hand during firing, locking in the tea's natural moisture and preventing oxidation. The result is its iconic flat, emerald leaves and a flavor profile that is both delicate and deeply satisfying.
The Tou Cai process is labor-intensive and highly selective, making this Dragon Well a rarity. Handpicked from a small tea garden with an annual harvest of just 20 kilograms , it offers a refined, elegant green tea experience that is truly unmatched.
Perfect as a morning brew or an afternoon moment of tranquility, this tea is a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Xihu’s renowned tea culture. Rediscover Dragon Well through this uniquely sweet and harmonious masterpiece, crafted from the finest leaves of the season.
Recommended brewing temperature:
For gongfu brewing, use 2 grams of leaves with water at 200ºF. Steep for 30-35 seconds on the first infusion. For the second and third infusions, reduce the steeping time to 10-15 seconds, then gradually increase by 5-10 seconds with each additional infusion.
What sets this new Dragon Well green tea apart is its remarkable resistance to bitterness, even when brewed with boiling water. This unique characteristic highlights its exceptional quality. Unlike many lower-grade Dragon Well teas, it not only avoids bitterness but also won’t leave a dry or astringent feeling in your mouth. This character exemplifies superior craftsmanship, offering a consistently smooth and satisfying experience with every infusion.
Origin: Xihu West Lake, Zhejiang Province, China
Notes: Sweet dew, creaminess of a butter, fresh crisp of snow peas
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