2021 Brothers Dancong (fire)

The Xiongdi varietal (pronounced ‘Shong Dee’ simply means “brother” in Chinese) is one of the more lightly roasted dancongs we are carrying in the late 2021 season.  This tea rides the border between medium and light roast, which is evident by a bit more green visible on the dry leaves.  The aroma of the leaves is very fruity-sweet with something more toasty about the edges, like a baked fruit tart.  Since the roast is so recent, the baked tart crust aroma quickly rises to overpower the more subtle notes which should surface again after a few more months rest.

While the brew is a light pale gold, the mouthfeel is much more thick and pleasant on the sides of the tongue and back of the throat.  Since the roast is lighter, the sweet and spicy taste of the leaves rise to the surface after one or two infusions.  The vegetal palate of the Xiongdi leaves is something reminiscent of cinnamon, thyme, and other culinary herbs.  While the roast is light, it still sticks around until the end of the session providing a pleasant minerality to each brew.

Past the third or fourth infusion, this tea transforms into a pleasantly thick, highly vegetal tea, while the wet leaves persist in exuding a savory roasted note mixed in with other spices.  It is very exciting to consider how this tea will change as it rests over the next few months as the roast mellows and the leaves themselves expand to fill the space.
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