Our 2023 Luan Guapian Supreme is the perfect selection for anyone looking for a superior green tea that has less caffeine than most other green teas.. Unlike other green teas that are prized for plucking early in Spring, leaves of the Da Guazi cultivar need to be quite a bit more grown and spread in order to make a fine Luan Guapian. This added time facilitates the proper biochemistry that yields enough pectin for the tea’s signature velvety texture and unique bitter character. This is possible only with a special local cultivar — Da Guazi — Big Melon Seed, hence the funny name.
Luan Guapian has a fruity sweet aroma with distinct touches of floral bouquet and fresh cookies on a green, fresh, herbaceous undertone. Buttery yet sharp, the bright and very lively full body unfolds in a clear color infusion. A subtle bitterness akin to that of bitter gourd yet with a flowery note is somehow balanced with the sweet tones of peaches over a light base of kombu. The long, tingly sweet and refreshing aftertaste is very thirst-quenching--perfect for a hot summer's day.
This tea is enjoyable when prepared using both the gongfu and conventional methods. Use a higher temperature for maximum aroma and a lower one for longer infusion time for a fuller body. For the optimum taste profile we recommend staying between 176 to 195 degrees fahrenheit. Experiment with more leaves and shorter infusion time to discover the fullness this tea is capable of without astringency.
