I’ve always enjoyed dragonwells, but my experience with them has always been with what some would say, low grades or everyday types. While I did enjoy them, I never quite understood why it was considered a China famous tea, they’re good but just not as amazing or as tasty as my fave Japanese greens. That changed, when I tried this one. After reading and learning more about dragonwell, I decided to look for a high quality version of this tea. Sadly not many places here in the US carry high grade dragonwells and among the few places that did, Redblossom convinced me the most to actually try it (thanks to the oh so pretty pictures they have).
Still, I was reluctant to buy it over the internet since this was not a cheap tea, and I didn’t want to buy something that did not live up to my expectations. So I waited until my recent trip to San Francisco to physically visit the store, see the teas first hand, etc. While I REALLY wanted to try the Panan Supreme, my budget simply did not cut it, so I settled for the regular Panan. After tasting it in store and brewing it myself at home, I can safely say, I’ve found a new tea to add to my favorites collection.
>Dry Leaf Appearance/Aroma
This is a very beautiful tea. Small thin blade-like sets of buds and leaf, vibrant golden green leaves, and very soft and delicate to the touch. Some damaged leaves and broken pieces. The aroma is so entrancing, super fresh, lightly fruity, reminds me of rain, forest and nuts. I don’t know what this tea has, but every time I open the tin, I just want to drink it.
>Brewing Method
Small Gaiwan, 175F water, 1 min steep time. 3 times.
>Liquid Appearance
Very pale but bright clear green.
>Taste/Aroma
The first cup was obviously the best. Lightly sweet, very buttery, nutty, juicy, crisp finish, and fresh, It is simply delicious. The second cup was still good, but with a slight loss to the buttery texture. The third cup was still good but much lighter in taste.
>Wet Leaf Appearance
Beautiful leaves, small and delicate buds with 1-2 leaves.
>Overall
This tea was such an eye opener for me concerning dragonwells. Quality does make a huge difference. The taste was so mouthwatering that I keep coming back to it for more. I would like to eventually try the Panan Supreme to see if the price on that one is really worth it, but after trying this one, I might just get it… someday. Definitely one of my new favorites.
Niiiice! I hope you had a good time at Red Blossom – I love that place. :)
Yes it was great! loved the store, I wanted to buy everything but it was just so expensive :(
I know the feeling… I try to go in only once every few months!