Harvested in early spring from the misty forests of Tong Mu Xing Cun, this high-elevation Xiao Zhong black tea expresses warmth, richness, and balance. Grown at 1300m in the heart of Fujian, it’s crafted from the Xiao Zhong cultivar using the traditional “one bud, one or two leaves” picking standard.
The dry leaf is twisted and dark, with hues of black and prune. On the nose, it offers inviting notes of palmier pastry, strawberry jam, and chestnut cream — a soft, pastry-forward aroma that sets the tone for a lush, layered experience.
As the leaves unfurl, the wet aroma opens into a deeper landscape: mangosteen, geranium blossoms, egg custard tart, and varnished wood. The liquor brews to a deep caramel orange, gliding across the tongue with a medium-thick, soft, and oily texture.
Flavor-wise, expect the warmth of yellow rose, fresh raspberry, orange almond cake, and melted butter. The tea finishes with a clean, floral softness and notes of stone fruit, lingering long in the breath. The empty cup offers a final flourish of butter shortbread and dried apple — sweet and nostalgic.
The overall energy is gently relaxing, with a deep sense of comfort and quiet focus — a perfect tea for reflective sessions or slow evenings.
Cultivar: Xiao Zhong
Origin: Tong Mu Xing Cun, Fujian, China
Elevation: 1300m
Picking: Bud and one or two leaves
Season: March 28, 2024