Historic Fujian Green which has gone out of fashion but deserves a revival! Balanced and a little spicy with flowers, fruits and creams.
I must admit that I have been sleeping on this tea for far too long, and it's time to bring Tianshan Green into the spotlight, as it hits in so many ways and deserves more recognition.
Tianshan Green comes from Ningde in Fujian province and has historically been a popular tea, but lost favour (for unknown reasons) in the last 30 years compared with its more famed counterparts.
The style of Tianshan Greens can vary from relatively unshaped Maofeng tea to a more Yunwu curled style like this one. I prefer the depth that this rolled style of tea brings to the experience.
Tianshan Mist straddles the gap between the more robust and deep Greens like Cloud Lake or Jade Fire and the elegance and lightness of the pricier teas from Sichuan (like Bamboo Sabre) or Anhui (Monkey Picked).
The liquor is a clear and glowing lime green, and the taste is gorgeously balanced with a combination of sugar, cream, umami, floral and fruits.
On the nose, the leaves are rich in nougat, candied corn and caramel offset against the brightness of soap and orchids and the depth of roasted nuts. There is also a herbaceous spice like lovage or celery seeds.
In the mouth, the liquor is elegant and comforting with orchids and steamed sponge cakes and a slight twang of rhubarb and oxidised apple before being rounded out by a tropical fruit custards.
Tianshan Mist is a sweet, rich, balanced and easy sipping tea wuth an unmistakable charm coming from the sprinkling of spices and twangy fruits
A great tea at a relatively affordable price - exactly what we are looking for to share with our Teahead friends.
Maybe Tianshan will be your next favourite brew and we can begin the bringing it back to popularity?
