After yesterday’s cozy eight-hour tea gathering, I’m easing back into the daily rhythm with the soft, nuanced, and colorful sheng pu-erh, “Northern Lights” 🧿

📍This blend is crafted from the iconic mountains of Ku Zhu Shan and Kun Lu Shan, located in Jinggu County. Ku Zhu Shan is renowned for its ancient rattan trees, named after their unique shoots that transform into long, winding tendrils. This is linked to the harvesting method, where the entire leaf is picked except for the final ones on the branch.

The aroma of the warmed leaves reveals notes of orchid, petrichor, dry moss, and a faint ocean breeze. As the leaves are steamed, hints of citronella, barberry, sage, and a pinch of lemon zest emerge.

The first sip unfolds flavors of Granny Smith apple, green gooseberry, and lemon tart with a flaky crust. The aftertaste is graced by cooling notes of mint and pine.

As expected of top-shelf shengs, the later infusions bloom with a deep vanilla sweetness, a reminder that the best flavors await at the very end.