First Taste: 2009 Old Bush Shui Xian
The high firing and oxidation produce a powerful initial charcoal impression with a hint of sweet spice; it's a tea that profits from a good rinse prior to brewing to help balance the flavors. However, as you drink it, and more so as you re-infuse the leaves a few times, a tantalizing sweetness and obscure florals emerge and the taste gains substance and complexity. It develops into a robust, satisfying brew with substantial depth and, improbably, a delicate, underlying woodsy nectar flavor. The texture is chewy and full-bodied, and there's a clean, sweet aftertaste.
My experience with this tea is that it evolves and improves over multiple steepings as the flavors come into balance. Initially I almost wrote it off as too high-fired, but by the end it was so delicious I didn't want to stop drinking it. The tea's weighty complexity also made me long to brew it in my yi xing teapot. Now available in our online store; coming to the teahouses by the end of the week.