From the same trees as last year's production, this tea displays many of the same characteristics. Very strong, very bitter and to be treated gently. This tea performs excellently when brewed with around half the leaves normally used. It does not need to be brewed strong to be enjoyed.
This tea is 100% ancient arbor, from 600-800 year old trees. The strong bitterness changes quickly in the mouth, leaving a very long huigan and a hit powerful youthful qi.
This area was the subject of some competition between a couple of Chinese producers, and unfortunately the ensuing price wars, combined with the drought this year, pushed up the price for the maocha. Nevertheless, for me personally, I still feel this tea offers something special, within an affordable price range for 400g of handpicked, handprocessed tea from truely ancient tea trees.