Pinnacle batch of Mengding Gan Lu showing off this rich and balanced historic tea. Creams, broth and a savoury to sweet joy.
Gan Lu has a very long history and could well be one of the first loose-leaf teas consumed in the World. The legend is that the first ever human cultivation of tea (planting and growing tea vs picking what is wild growing) began in Sichuan by a Taoist monk called Wu Lizhen. He supposedly planted seven tea trees in Sichuan sometime between 200 BC and 53 BC.
These seven tea trees were used to make Gan Lu Green tea, which became an imperial tribute tea in the Tang and Song Dynasty. This tea was often used in religious ceremonies and became associated with the temples in the mountains of Sichuan.
However accurate the stories, one thing is for certain: this is a very historic tea, and it is produced in a very traditional style. The tea is entirely handmade in the arduous three-fry process.
This Sweet Dew is made from a bud and one leaf picked from the beautiful peaks of Mengding Mountain. The cultivar is Qun Ti Zhong, an heirloom variety that naturally grows in this area, making it perfectly suited to the terroir.
After picking, the leaves are withered and then charcoal-baked and rolled by hand three times before being shaped, sorted and gently baked dry. The look of the leaves is furry and twisted from this rolling and shaping process.
The taste shows off the pedigree of the trees and the processing. Perfectly balanced between bright, floral and verdant with a creamy, soft, warming and savoury depth.
In a time where trends push Green tea to be flowery and light, this batch showcases the true taste of Gan Lu
Firstly, you can taste that wok-fired heat in the tea. This adds richness and character to all of the aromatics.
Malted chocolate and baked cereals give a sweet hum to a savoury, creamy and starchy broth.
The candied nuts then add a warm sugary note with the fruits and flowers dancng lightly over the top.
The sweet finish will last for hours hence its traditional name of Gan Lu (Sweet Dew).
