AXM Tianjian 2012

Tian Jian, or “heavenly tips”, is more of a grade of leaf than a type of Hunan heicha. It is composed of much younger leaves picked earlier in the year and has very few to no stems. It is commonly loosely compressed into bamboo woven baskets which give it a more unique style in look, taste, and how it ages.

Jinhua, or “Golden Flowers”, is the beneficial mold found in other heicha, especially Fuzhuan. This mold mainly starts to grow from the stems. Tian Jian, having fewer, takes longer to develop Jinhua but it can still. Jinhua comes and goes, especially in Tian Jian.

More fragrant and generally having more aroma, Tian Jian has a more uplifting taste and feel with higher notes that do not compromise a houyun. Don’t expect the same taste as Fuzhuan. Although tian jian is also fermented, it has a more mushroomy or fungal taste. The taste is easily changed with your brewing parameters more so than with many teas. I tend to use fewer leaves and longer steeping time.

As one friend put it, “Tastes like the idea of an English farm in a movie (not an actual farm, those smell like manure)”

• Basket: Tian Jian, technically being a grade of leaf, not the end product, is more fragile with its higher buds and younger leaves. It is still compressed but very loosely in a bamboo basket. Expect more jinhua to develop in the center than the perimeters.
• Dry Leaf: Dark dark brown to the point of blackness. These leaves tend to look more broken than they are. The Jinhua, coming and going with time, is currently not too noticeable, but with a keen eye, it’s there.
• Fragrance: A well pronounced smell of mushroom or fungus. But don’t expect to taste too much of this in the taste.
• Soup: Clean, clear, and brilliant with a charm! You’ll find this tea to be “heavy” allowing bubbles to stay intact on the surface until they are popped.
• Aroma: I don’t want to boast, but having my favorite aroma of my heicha, it’s hard not to say, “everything I dream of.” Sit back and allow its aroma to penetrate your brain.
• Taste: Such a subjective subject... try!
• Cha Qi: Gentle and present throughout, you can feel this lingering long after each cup. Not strong but very calming.