Thick, velvety, and deeply savory, this Shandong green tea (Rizhao Lv) delivers a warming and satisfying experience with every infusion. The dry leaf offers a fresh and vegetal opening—sweet green peas with a soft marine note, reminiscent of fresh conch. Once warmed, the aroma transforms, revealing a toasty, comforting scent of sweet shortbread that hints at the tea’s rich character to come.
The liquor brews a vivid yellow-green and releases savory notes of asparagus, corn, and a subtle bone broth aroma—soft, rounded, and almost soup-like. The flavor is clean and full, brimming with umami and balanced brightness. A gentle hint of corn and a barely-there cookie note add complexity, but the tea avoids any overt sweetness. Despite a strong brew (this time made by Phil instead of Zhen), the tea remains incredibly smooth—free from both bitterness and astringency.
What truly sets this tea apart is its mouthfeel: thick, velvety, and deeply nourishing—evoking the texture of yin’er (snow fungus) broth. It’s a green tea with structure, presence, and a rare savory elegance.
If you’re looking to explore the more robust and umami-rich side of green tea, this Shandong green tea is a standout.
