Wild Purple Hongcha

Available from Floating Leaves when we last checked. Sold from the shop’s own store; the price there is the one that counts.

When I tasted this loose leaf (not rolled) version of wild purple leaf in the Spring it knocked me off my feet. Leaving tea leaves open like this by using a simple hot air drying step maintains more of the fresh aromas of the leaf. Where the rolled version feels dense and rich this version feels softer, with a scent that presents as open and airy. It reaches a bit further into the top register. It's hard to describe, so you'll just have to try it yourself. I don't think there's a clear winner, i