Jin Jun Mei (金駿眉)
archetype: Golden phoenix
A golden phoenix falls into the cup as a drop of honey: a refined regal sweetness, a honey dew, a touch of raisin.
History
Jin Jun Mei is the youngest of the great teas: it was created in 2005 by the masters of Tongmuguan village (Fujian) in search of a 'new face' for red tea. The raw material is exclusively the buds of the same 'zheng shan' bushes that go into lapsang; the fermentation is the same, but without smoking. About 50,000 hand-picked buds, gathered in spring, go into a single kilo of finished tea. Within a few years it became one of the most expensive teas of China.
Terroir
The canonical Jin Jun Mei is only from Tongmuguan. All other 'versions' (outside the reserve) give a similar profile but do not reach the 'regal' trail.
Leaf
acacia honey, ripe apricot, raisin, vanilla, a long sweet silk; the finish — a honey dew in the throat very long, leaving a 'golden trail' in the throat — a warm honeyed sweetness lasting 20–30 minutes
Properties
rich in theaflavins and natural sugars; gentle stimulation, good for mood and focus without strain; considered one of the most 'nerve-friendly' reds thin, warm, dispersing across the upper chest and face; felt as a light joy medium (40–55 mg)
Brewing ritual
a thin 110 ml gaiwan — a high aroma needs thin porcelain; 92 °C; 5 g / 110 ml. 8s — the first drop: acacia honey, apricot; 10s — the peak: raisin, vanilla, warm silk; 12s — a regal depth, a long sweet trail; 18s — a thin honey note; 30s — the finale — a golden echo.
When to drink
morning or late day — when one wants joy, not excitement. autumn and winter — especially when it is dark and there is little sun. when one wants to lift the mood gently, mark a good day, give warmth to a loved one