#springharvest

Back with another Dan Cong from last year’s stash! This time I’m tasting, Yu Lan Xaing, which translates to “Magnolia Aroma. While the majority of the Dan Cong’s I purchased were from a spring harvest, this particular one comes from the November winter harvest. While there is no doubt that spring harvest teas deliver the best product, winter harvest teas can also produce amazing tea, and in my opinion, they are quite too commonly overlooked. In fact, and a side by side tasting I did last year of the same tea of the same year, but two different harvests really showed not only the differences between the two harvests, but also just how tasty winter harvest teas can be.  

The dry leaf has an immediate fresh type of aroma. Almost like the smell of spring air when the flowers are in bloom. I detected a slightly vegetal aroma which I don’t find too often on Dan Cong teas. Also found it to have a subtle tart fruity notes that reminded me of plum sauce. The floral notes I would normally expect came out of the wet leaf. A heavy floral melody of flowery potpourri, orchids and the expected scent of magnolia. The strength of the floral notes were very similar to a the strong perfume of a flower scented shampoo or hand cream. I detected the plum note again, as well as the vegetal note I found on the dry leaf. 

It was on the brew that the vegetal notes I had been detecting finally came. An odd flavor to find on a Dan Cong, when compared to the much more usually fruity flavors. The tea has a thick body, with a warm buttery mouthfeel, followed by a sweet corn like vegetal flavor. It has a hint of magnolia floral notes and a soft and subtle fruity finish. The second infusion was a bit sweeter, but still very buttery and creamy, with less of the vegetal flavor and a strong presence of aromatic magnolia. By the 4th infusion, the brew was dominated by the magnolia and flowery perfume, with the buttery and vegetal notes having disappeared, but remained quite creamy. 

This winter harvest tea brought many different aspects of Dan Cong’s I had yet to experience. I was a little put off by the vegetal flavors, but learned to appreciate them in this form. While this tea isn’t the best Dan Cong I’ve had so far, it’s nowhere near being the worst. It’s got great flavor and a strong aroma with unique characteristics, but ultimately, it’s not one I want to keep around full time. However, I will enjoy what I have while it lasts.

Nestled in the misty embrace of the Himalayas, the tea gardens of Darjeeling come alive with the arrival of spring. This season, tender green buds are carefully plucked by experienced hands, preserving the essence of freshness and vitality. Each leaf carries the story of pristine mountain air, gentle rainfall, and the timeless traditions that shape Darjeeling tea.

This year's first flush promises an exceptional brew—delicate and golden, with floral undertones and whispers of natural sweetness. As the slopes resonate with the harmonious rhythm of plucking, tea estates prepare to unveil their prized harvests, offering connoisseurs a sensory journey like no other.