Here’s a compare and contrast of three Chinese green teas we received in 2019:

• Gu Zhang Mao Jian
• Dragonwell Superior 
• Wuling Mountain Yunwu

Wuling Mountains in Hunan Province, China

Each steep was 8 grams tea, 5 ounces of 180 degree water, steeped 30 seconds in a gaiwan. Normally I would not make the tea this strong, but for the purpose of this multi-steep evaluation I wanted to pull out more elements quicker. There’s no strict rule about how many grams to put in the gaiwan or how long/hot to steep it (I’m sure some of you disagree), but I would dial it back a bit based on my own preferences.

Gu Zhang Mao Jian - Buy this tea

Attractive looking, tightly twisted, dark green leaf. The steeped aroma is that garden-like vegetal floral that I’m a big fan of (because I garden). The cup is a dark, deep, vegetal flavor, sharp, and a savory broth that’s not too soupy. It has an oily mouthfeel and a slight, pleasant bitterness. The body and mouthfeel are sustained through second and third steeps, but the bitterness starts to take a back seat to more floral flavors and an undefined sweetness. It warms up the body more than most Chinese greens. A very full experience. Touches all bases.

Dragonwell Superior

Those iconic flat, little, yellow-green leaves are in high demand in the tea world. Its unique qualities are well on display here. The cup is grassy with a strong nutty flavor and lots of little nooks and crannies for nuances like a little floral here, a little bitter there, maybe a brussel sprout over here. It continues to distinguish itself as it refuses to diminish through the second and third steeps. The edges do soften a little with the nutty quality giving way to more floral flavors. Its presence lingers strong in the mouth for as long as you wish.

Wuling Mountain Yunwu

This is classic Chinese green tea! Its dull green leaves are twisted and curled.  The cup is a combination of leafy greens, chicken broth, and flowers. The soft mouthfeel makes the liquor go down easy and is largely forgiving of any bitterness. The body and flavor of this tea fade quicker than the Gu Zhang Mao Jian and Dragonwell, but it’s an excellent value and the aroma is first class!

-Michael Lannier