First Pick: Xianhao Presale

Tea: Xianhao (仙毫）
Type: Oven Roasted
Harvest: Mid-March 2026
Region: Shaanxi, Hanzhong, Fuchuan Township
Producers: Master Yang
Tasting Notes: Chestnut, Watercress, Toasted Soy, Celery.

This is the spiritual success to last year's Orchid Buds. All of what we liked about that tea is present: it is as visually appealing as Sparrow's Tongue, rich and thick like Dragon Well, down forward-like Golden Green, yet yellower than the Mingqian picks of all these teas. Unlike Orchid Buds, this tea has also been consistently made in this style for decades. Although it is Shaanxi Province favorite green tea, it has remained off the radar of most international consumers.

After Master Yang lost his Taiyuan noodle shop during the first year of Covid, he returned to help his wife and parents make tea in his native Hanzhong. The Xianhao they make now is the best we have tasted from the area. Dull green-yellow with ample fuzz yet slight variation in leaf shape, this tea is the genuine article made from the older heirloom bushstock. These plump straigtened buds unfurl upon infusion to release a range of aromas and flavor that one would more readily associate with Baimudan or a lighter yellow tea. While still offering that green tea bite and kick, it is very much a tea that may appeal to your green-shy friends. 

This tea may most optimally be enjoyed grandpa style with 90°C degree water, although it can survive an encounter with boiling water quite nicely. It can also go into your favorite water bottle or cold-brewing equipment for some Summertime refreshment.

Stay tuned for our follow-up visit to the core production area on March 20th.