Jing's Yunnan Gold (Dian Hong) is the latest in my quest to absorb as many Yunnan teas as humanly possible. Since I first encountered them, I have been absolutely smitten. Virtually every Yunnan I have tried has been a true winner. Jing's offering is no exception.

The aroma of the dried leaf has a bit more perfumey nose than other Yunnan's I have come across. But that's just a very small part of the scent here -- more overpowering are sweet and earthy tones -- like a dried mushroom that's been sitting in a candy shop. Appearance-wise, this is note a Pure Gold Yunnan, but definitely a straight-up Yunnan Gold. The blend of gold versus brown buds seems to be about 50/50.

As with most Yunnan teas, I brewed this tea at 3 minutes with 200-degree water. The resultant liquor has a lightly hazy, coppery color. The aroma in the cup is mildly reminiscent of the dried leaf, but has also taken on a new level. Jing describes it as "malty", which I would agree with. The taste, from sip number one through the finish, is utterly exquisite. One sip reveals an earthier character than I recall in other Dian Hongs. The next sip seems sweeter than I remember. Upon the first few sips, my immediate reaction was that this is not quite as sublime as a Pure Gold. But by the time I finished the first cup, I am unsure which I would prefer. While this is much bolder than a Pure Gold, it is not as sophisticatedly sweet. Yet I find it's flavor intoxicating in equal amount, but in a different manner.

For a second infusion, I tried a 4 minute brew. The results were somewhat tame - less potent than expected. But fine flavors still emerged nonetheless. A third infusion for 4.5 minutes presented a similarly-hued liquor (perhaps even darker?), and an overall sweeter and more robust flavor than cup #2. As the cup cools, the sweetness takes a step back, and the flavor reaches a level similar to that of cup #1. After 3 infusions, few of the leaves had unfurled much. Curiously, Jing Tea reveals that the wet leaves are "shapely, triangular tips" -- I wonder how much more incredible flavor could be emitted, should the leaves be completely exposed to steeping...

This is yet another fantastic offering of a phenomenal Dian Hong. I must vow to drink more Yunnan tea than ever before -- but if I did, would it be as special and delicious if it were an everyday treat?

— To purchase Jing Tea Yunnan Gold, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular tea, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.

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