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This is the first Anji Bia Cha I get a chance to properly try. I just had one sample from Tao Tea Leaf before. The price is relatively low, so I am not expecting a top grade, but I am definitely excited to try it.

Overall, I would say it’s quite delicious and distinctive profile. A lot of its fresh vegetal qualities will probably fade over time, so I will try to finish it asap. I had two sessions with it so far, one with 140ml pot and one with a 60ml gaiwan, even though I used the same amount of leaf in each – 4g. The flavours were definitely stronger and more tasty in the latter, but I think the lighter body of the former allowed for more subtle notes to shine.

The aromas of the dry leaves are very green and somewhat light, reminiscent of asparagus, chestnut, grass, nettle and thistles. In the wet leaves I can also smell some lemongrass. The taste is very vegetal with decent umami and sweetness. There are notes of spinach, lemon balm, cream, carambola, bok choy and courgette. I really like the aftertaste, which is long and sweet and exudes a cooling sensation in the throat. It reminds me of a mix if fresh herbs and sautéed greens. Mouthfeel is velvety and buttery with light to medium body. The cha qi is nice too, very relaxing. It reminds me of japanese greens, but seems to have less caffeine.