Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong

The renowned village of Tongmuguan can add another success to its long list of exploits with this black tea. Rather than the fiery focus of the smoked version, the unsmoked Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong presents a strong body emphasizing the aromatics of dry wood and mouth-coating tannins. Though not bitter, it demonstrates another kind of assertiveness over several brews. Guiding the taster through a maturation of the palate, it begins with the sweet aromas of molasses and malt to conclude on a discernibly mineral and oaky brew, as if to strip down and expose a side of nature unfabricated and authentic.