Name: Green Yinzhen
Brand: Teas Etc
Type: Green tea
Form: Loose leaf
Cost: 1 ounce is $6.95, quantity discounts are available
Review: Teas Etc’s Green Yinzhen is one of those teas that I very much enjoy looking at, even before I drink it. The leaves are rolled into dark green and silvery “needles” (yinzhen), with a barely-there nose of green herbs.
(I should note that I’ve had problems with green needle teas before: They can be very potent and can get bitter and disagreeable if not infused properly. Please check out my preparation tips after the review.)
The tea infuses to a gold green, and retains its herbal nose. The body on this green tea is surprisingly substantial, reminding me of whole milk. Not a bad option for cold nights or, for that matter, to pair with food: I can see this making a good green breakfast tea.
The taste is vegetal, rich, and complex (braised butter lettuce?), without any pungency . It is also fresh and lively, with very minimal astringency. The finish is unexpectedly sweet.
As many of you know, green teas are not my favorites. I don’t dislike them, but few make me want to stand up and sing their praises. In general, I tend to prefer either very simple or simply extraordinary. This tea falls into the later category: Yum.
Preparation Tips: I worked with Green Yinzhen a bit before hitting on a good water/tea ratio. I prepared the tea in Teas Etc glass brew mug (about 12 ounces), and added about 2 grams of leaf. I brought my water to 185F, and poured it in. After 30 seconds, I removed the infuser basket. The tea was perfectly infused to my taste. Let me know about your results!
Sample Provided by Retailer?: Yes
Affiliate Links in this Post?: Yes
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This sounds like the type of tea I would really enjoy. I tend to like full-bodied Chinese green teas that have a fair amount of bitterness, but that are not too astringent.