Excitement always prevails when it's time to visit this magnificent garden during our spring-time and winter tea rounds as it has become our benchmark garden to rate the quality of a season. The craftsmanship and care both in the garden and in the factory from the people behind this tea are exemplary and well-recognized amongst local tea makers. Therefore, if the tea fluctuates between good and superb relies on the uncontrollable nature-born factors like the prevailing weather since last winter. Again, this Spring 2023, the weather and precipitations in the mountains of Shibi were not as dismal as in the lower plains. Despite lower yields, this spring's offering is a cut above past iterations. Also, just as previous lots, this Lot 1226 is a custom production made just for us with a slightly higher oxidation which we can designate as a traditional oxidation level. This results in a thicker, more buttery texture with sweeter floral notes and a less grassy attack. Fans of this tea will still be in recognizable territory but will benefit from a fuller mouth-feel, yet smooth and sophisticated and very well balanced between the floral notes, the crisp pastoral ones and the clean mellow finish. As with all previous lots from this garden, the adjective “clean” also comes from the fact that this garden is certified to meet the EU norm for low pesticide use: one of the most stringent norm of the kind right now. Another good reason to indulge! The winter Lot 1272 still peaks with succulent notes of spring flowers and smooth vegetal nuances that culminate with a silky smooth finish. Both Spring and Winter teas are thick, well-balanced, with generous organoleptic material that are sure to give many satisfying infusions of joy in the cup. This is our “go to” tea when we are wanting to enjoy a good high-mountain tea. If you would like to find out more about this tea terroir, please check out this blog entry.