Fujian Old Field White Buds 2021 No.215

Gutian (古田) is an area in Fujian province, between the Wuyi mountain and the East China Sea. The name Gutian means ancient meadow. It’s really close to the sea, like 40-50 km and the height there is 400-500 meters. They plant the tea bushes in 1969, then after thirty years of production, the plantation became abandoned. After another twenty years, they hard pruned the whole field to brought to life now. We just put some photos on our Instagram to evoke the feeling of this amazing place. This half-forested place means a much harder job for the workers. However, the result is really worth it. They handpicked the leaves and make them in small batches in electronic woks. The early harvested leaves give much more finesse and won’t be bitter.

Tasting notes:

We found some meadow hay, crushed grass, crunchy apple “Granny Smith” among the smells and tastes. The tea itself is a little bit rustic, but it will be smoother till autumn. The soil gives some clayish taste to that. After the first few sip, we could feel the energy of it. Shoulders are lowered and some relaxing effects came. After the second pouring, more citrus, sourness, apple, and a bit of spinach came. It can open the senses. At the third, the tea changed again; chamomile, bread, sour apricot jam, croissant with walnut, and some aged shou mei came. It changes a lot after every pouring. It is really complex and interesting which can give you some calm energy.

Preparing Instructions:

Quantity: 5-6 grams per 150 ml water
Water temperature: 80-85ºC. From fresh spring, mineral water, or filtered water
Brewing time: 15-20… seconds
Infusions: 4-5