Pan Long Yin Hao ~ Upton

A gorgeous hand-rolled bud only, Pan Long Yin Hao is a highly regarded tea of Zhejiang. Literally translated, Pan Long Yin Hao means “Curled Dragon Silver Tips”. Zhejiang is known for its high-quality teas, and Pan Long Yin Hao is no exception. Usually, if the Chinese name of the tea contains the word “Hao” or “Bud” (meaning tea bud only, no leaves) you can imagine it’s going to be some kind of terrific.

In aroma, Pan Long Yin Hao is highly vegetal with a refined, enticing earthy note. Astringent, Pan Long Yin Hao offers a mouth-numbing, bland flavor. If Pan Long Yin Hao were produced as a Mao Feng, I’m certain it would be bitter, but in this case it isn’t. In texture, I can actually see a generous amount of tea grit lying on the bottom of my mug. Despite not having much aftertaste, Pan Long Yin Hao has a brothy, full tea grit. Additionally, Pan Long Yin Hao has a lovely moon-like pale liquor.

One of the most interesting things about Pan Long Yin Hao (I thought) was the way it infuses: the curl extruding and floating suspended throughout the tea.

1. Aroma – 89
2. Taste – 89
3. Texture – 91
4. Spunk – 90
5. Price – 93
6. Availability – 95
7. Appearance – 97

Mean score – 92% Extremely well-made, if a little boring.