Zuo Ruyu I-Lan Handmade Ancient 2014 - 30g

Zuo Ruyu I-Lan Handmade Ancient 2014

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Another interesting tea from master Zuo Ruyu, difficult to classify, even though it underwent a production process that is closest to oolong teas.

The tea was harvested in April 2014 from a native Taiwanese cultivar in the I-Lan region. What makes this tea interesting is that it is a single origin tree, meaning it is tea from the leaves of a single tree. What makes it even more unique is the fact that it was a very old tree that died in 2016. This tea was its last harvest. The age of the tree is unknown.

Delicately processed large leaves with a very difficult to define aroma, reminiscent of sweet almond marzipan.

The infusion is medium-bodied, balanced in flavor, combining the flavors of sweet almonds, ripe pears, a pinch of cinnamon, and a very delicate minerality.

A unique archive tea.

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Brewing for 100 ml: 5 g of tea, water at 95°C, first infusion 20-25 seconds, then 25 seconds, 40 seconds, 90 seconds, and finally several minutes to allow the tea to release all its flavors. It will not become bitter, but will remain smooth and beautifully sweet. Follow the preparation instructions carefully; if you oversteep the first infusion, you will lose the flavors for the subsequent infusions.

I recommend brewing this tea in smaller volumes, a maximum of 150 ml. Its quality is best suited to this.