Collection: Jin Jun Mei

Jin Jun Mei Tea: The Jewel of Black Tea – A Guide to Appreciation

1. Origins and Characteristics

Jin Jun Mei (金骏眉) is a premium Chinese black tea originating from Tongmu Guan in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian. A refined variant of Lapsang Souchong, its name carries three meanings:

·         Jin (金): Golden tips, with a lustrous golden infusion.

·         Jun (骏): Honors tea master Liang Junde; also symbolizes the tea’s vibrant energy.

·         Mei (眉): Slender, eyebrow-shaped leaves with a natural curl.

Key Features:

·         Rare Ingredients: Made exclusively from early spring single buds—50,000–60,000 buds per 500g.

·         Artisan Craft: Combines traditional Lapsang Souchong techniques with innovative withering and oxidation to preserve floral-fruity notes.

·         Exquisite Flavor: Silky texture with layered honey, orchid, and lychee-like sweetness.

2. Tasting Guide

1. Visual Inspection

• High Quality:

o    Tight, slender strands with golden tips (black-gold color mix).

o    Plump buds, oily sheen, minimal broken leaves.

• Low Quality:

o    Dull, uniformly black or overly yellow (possible dyeing).

o    Coarse leaves, uneven texture.

2. Aroma Profile

·         Hot Sniff: Initial steeping releases honeyed sweetness, reminiscent of longan and wildflowers.

·         Cold Sniff: Lingering floral (e.g., wintersweet) aroma in the empty cup.

·         Flaw Alert: Smoke (non-traditional processing), sourness (poor fermentation).

3. Liquor & Taste

·         Ideal Color: Amber-orange, crystal-clear, and viscous.

·         Palate:

o    First Sip: Bright, sugary sweetness balanced by a hint of lychee-like acidity.

o    Aftertaste: Long-lasting honeyed finish with a refreshing mouthfeel.

·         Flaws: Astringency, thin body, or cloying sweetness (potential sugar addition).

4. Wet Leaf Examination

Premium leaves: Copper-red, supple, and springy. Avoid greenish (under-oxidized) or dark-brown (over-oxidized) leaves.

3. Brewing Recommendations

·         Water: 85–90°C (avoid boiling to protect delicate buds).

·         Vessel: White porcelain gaiwan or glass cup to appreciate color and fragrance.

·         Dosage: 3–5g per 150ml; steep 5–10 seconds for first 3 infusions, gradually increasing.

·         Pairing: Best enjoyed neat, or with lightly sweetened desserts (e.g., osmanthus cake).

4. Storage Notes

·         Storage: Airtight, away from light and moisture (no refrigeration needed).

Final Notes: A symbol of nature’s luxury and human artistry, Jin Jun Mei embodies the pinnacle of Chinese black tea. Each sip transports you to Wuyi’s misty peaks—a harmony of terroir, tradition, and innovation.