Product Overview
This Black Bi Luo Chun is a black tea with a twist -- it's made from the same tea leaves used to make one of China's most famous green teas, Biluochun, known as Green Snail Spring. It has a bright, almost woody tea taste that black tea drinkers will delight in. A good tea to wake up with in the morning. Grown on Dongting mountain, the high elevations and cool mist there provide a nurturing environment for growing some of the best teas in the world; the most famous tea of which in this area is (green) Bi Luo Chun (which we also carry).
The leaves are tender and twisted, with many golden tips sprinkled among the dark brownish black leaves. Dry, they smell of tobacco, fresh hay, bittersweet chocolate, and spice. The cup is a deep coppery red and has a sweet fragrance. Many black teas have a very flat aroma, but not this one. The taste is smooth, rich, mouth filling and has depth. The mouthfeel of this tea is very smooth, and mellow. The flavor reminds you of pepper, fruit and malt or carmalized sugar.The fragrance lingers on the back of the tongue between sips. It also takes cream or milk well, mellowing rather than being masked in flavor. It is also very good iced.
To brew Black Bi Luo Chun,
1. Cover the bottom of the gaiwan with a shallow layer of the dry leaf, approximately 1 teaspoon.
2. Start heating 2 to 3 cups of cold, filtered water in a kettle.
3. When you see the Fish Eyes (160 -180F) breaking the surface, the water is ready to pour.
4. Pour the water into the gaiwan.
5. Let the leaves rest for a minute or so, then stroke the water with the lid .
6. In another minute or so, you can begin to drink.
7. When you have finished one cup, add more hot water directly.
You may add add milk, honey or lemon.