In the world of green teas, Dragonwell (Longjing) holds a place of honor, renowned for its exquisite quality and artful processing. Among the myriad of Dragonwell teas, Verdant Tea's Shi Feng Dragonwell stands out as a paragon of this storied tradition. Hailing from the revered Shi Feng mountain, a place steeped in centuries of tea cultivation history, this tea is not just a beverage, but a cultural experience.

Shi Feng Dragonwell from Verdant Tea is a testament to the skill and dedication of its artisan growers. These tea masters adhere to time-honored techniques, hand-picking and hand-roasting the leaves to create a tea that is as much a craft as it is a drink. In this review, we delve deep into the sensory journey that this exceptional tea offers – from its visual allure to its symphonic flavor profile. We will explore how each leaf unfurls a story of tradition, quality, and the serene beauty of the Shi Feng landscapes.

Whether you are a connoisseur of fine teas or an enthusiast eager to explore the world of premium green teas, Verdant Tea's Shi Feng Dragonwell is an experience that beckons. Join us as we embark on a detailed exploration of this remarkable tea, celebrating its place in the pantheon of great green teas. Check out our Tea Clubs page to compare and read more reviews of our favorite Tea clubs.

Background

Nestled in the heart of the tea world, Verdant Tea stands as a beacon of quality and authenticity in the global tea community. Founded with a passion for unearthing the finest teas, Verdant Tea has established itself as a purveyor of rare and artisanal teas, each sourced with a deep respect for tradition and sustainability. At the core of Verdant Tea's philosophy is a commitment to building direct, meaningful relationships with small-scale tea farmers. This approach allows them to offer a range of teas that are not only exceptional in taste but also rich in story and heritage.

Verdant Tea’s collection showcases the diversity of tea, from the delicate whites and robust blacks to the complex oolongs and pure greens. Each tea is carefully selected for its unique character, reflecting the distinct terroir and the artisanal expertise of its region. The company goes beyond merely selling tea; they serve as a bridge between the tea drinker and the tea grower, bringing forth the narrative of each leaf - from the soil it grew in, to the hands that harvested it.

Their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is evident in every aspect of their business. By working directly with farmers, Verdant Tea ensures fair compensation and supports sustainable practices that nurture both the land and the communities. For tea enthusiasts seeking not just a cup, but an immersive journey into the world of premium teas, Verdant Tea offers an experience that is both enlightening and enchanting.

Why Choose Verdant Tea

Verdant Tea Club presents an enthralling exploration of top-tier Chinese teas, delivered directly to your home. Prioritizing excellence, variety, and knowledge, this club is an attractive selection for tea connoisseurs eager to broaden their understanding and appreciation of tea. Despite some small constraints, the overall experience and advantages offered by the club render it a persuasive choice for tea enthusiasts.

Direct Relationships with Tea Farmers: One of Verdant Tea's most distinctive features is its direct, personal relationships with tea farmers. This approach ensures that every tea in their collection is not only of the highest quality but also comes with a rich story of its origin, cultivation, and craftsmanship. These relationships foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the tea, connecting the drinker to the very roots of where and how their tea was grown.

Commitment to Quality and Authenticity: Verdant Tea's dedication to offering authentic, artisanal teas is unmatched. Each tea is carefully curated for its unique characteristics, ensuring that drinkers experience the true essence of each variety. From rare finds to classic favorites, the quality of their tea is consistently exceptional, providing a genuine and unadulterated tea experience.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Choosing Verdant Tea also means supporting sustainable and ethical tea production. Their commitment to environmentally friendly practices and fair compensation for farmers reflects a responsible and mindful approach to tea sourcing. This not only benefits the environment and the tea communities but also results in a superior quality product for the consumer.

Diverse and Exceptional Range: Whether you are a seasoned tea aficionado or a curious beginner, Verdant Tea’s range caters to all palates. Their collection spans the full spectrum of tea types, each selected for its distinct flavor profile and brewing characteristics. This diversity allows tea lovers to explore and discover new favorites, deepening their appreciation for the art of tea.

Educational Approach: Verdant Tea goes beyond being just a tea vendor; they are educators and storytellers. Their website and packaging offer insightful information about the teas, brewing guides, and stories about the people behind them. This educational aspect enriches the tea-drinking experience, making each cup a learning opportunity.

Learn more about Verdant Tea here.

Summary 

Li Xiaoping takes immense pride in presenting her authentic Shi Feng Dragonwell, a rare example of this renowned tea that beautifully captures the crisp minerality Dragonwell is celebrated for. It features a unique flavor profile with notes of cucumber, pine, jasmine, and brown sugar.

Grown in the conducive environment of volcanic mountain springs, amidst bamboo and evergreen shade, her tea benefits from organic cultivation methods. Each leaf is carefully hand-picked and meticulously hand-roasted in a wok.

Cultivated on a perfectly-shaded slope within the small, highly coveted Shi Feng microclimate, this true Dragonwell varietal thrives. The area's sweet mountain springs, quartz-rich soil, and frequent mists contribute to the tea's distinct character. Li Xiaoping is not only renowned for producing one of the few genuine Dragonwell teas globally, recognized for its profound minerality, lasting sweetness, and intricate aromas, but she is also a respected community figure. Her dedication to sustainable farming and preservation efforts for the Shi Feng region further elevates the prestige of her tea.

Brewing Verdant Tea’s Shi Feng Dragonwell: The art of brewing this exquisite green tea is as integral to its enjoyment as its flavor. Start with fresh, filtered water heated to around 175°F – a crucial detail, as too hot water can scorch the delicate leaves. Use about one teaspoon of leaves for every 8 ounces of water. Verdant Tea’s Dragonwell unfurls beautifully, so give it space in a large teapot or a glass vessel to witness this visual delight. Steeping for 2-3 minutes is ideal, but feel free to experiment to find your perfect brew. The leaves are robust enough for multiple infusions, each offering a unique taste profile.

The Drinking Experience: As you pour the first cup, take a moment to appreciate the clear, light green hue of the tea – a visual indicator of its quality. The first sip greets you with a gentle, vegetal sweetness reminiscent of early spring greens. This initial taste smoothly transitions into a richer, nuttier middle, showcasing the tea’s complexity. The finish is clean and crisp, leaving a refreshing aftertaste with just a hint of lingering sweetness.

Flavor Evolution: With each subsequent infusion, the Shi Feng Dragonwell reveals new facets. The vegetal notes become more pronounced, the nuttiness subtler, and the sweetness more refined. This evolution in flavor makes the tea drinking experience with Verdant Tea’s Dragonwell not just a beverage consumption but a journey through a spectrum of subtle tastes and aromas.

Tasting Profile

Savory - Brown sugar

Vegetal - Cucumber, Matcha

Spice - Pine, Licorice

Floral - Jasmine

Fruit - Green Apple

Texture - Juicy

Results

Visual Transformation: The brewing process unveils the elegant beauty of Verdant Tea's Shi Feng Dragonwell. The leaves, initially crisp and flat, gently open up in hot water, showcasing their expert roasting and handling. The tea itself takes on a luminescent, pale green hue, clear and inviting, a visual testament to its purity and quality.

Aromatic Journey: As the tea steeps, an enchanting aroma fills the air. This Dragonwell exudes a fresh, grassy scent mingled with a slight nuttiness, evocative of a tranquil garden in early spring. For those attuned to its subtleties, there's a fleeting hint of jasmine, adding a layer of floral complexity that is both surprising and delightful.

Flavor Profile: Tasting Verdant Tea's Shi Feng Dragonwell is an experience of refined pleasure. Each sip offers a harmonious blend of flavors – the initial vegetal sweetness reminiscent of young greens, followed by a nuanced, slightly earthy undertone. Subtle notes of cucumber and a whisper of pine add freshness, while a soft undercurrent of brown sugar provides a gentle, lingering sweetness.

Mouthfeel and Finish: The tea glides smoothly across the palate, its texture silky and soothing. It finishes cleanly, leaving no bitterness, only a refreshing aftertaste that beckons for another sip. This pleasant aftertaste is a signature of quality, indicating the tea's purity and the skill with which it has been processed.

Consistency Across Steepings: A hallmark of Verdant Tea’s Shi Feng Dragonwell is its ability to maintain flavor and aroma over multiple infusions. Each subsequent steeping unfolds a new layer of taste – the vegetal notes becoming more pronounced, the nuttiness softer, and the overall profile more rounded and deep.

Bottom Line

Verdant Tea's Shi Feng Dragonwell Green Tea stands as a sterling example of what a premium Dragonwell should be. This tea is not just a beverage, but an experience that eloquently speaks of its heritage and craftsmanship. From the first visual impression of its vibrant, flat leaves to the last lingering note of its sweet, crisp finish, every aspect of this tea is imbued with quality.

In conclusion, Verdant Tea's Shi Feng Dragonwell Green Tea is a superb choice for anyone seeking to explore the heights of what a green tea can offer. It is a testament to the art of tea making and a true delight for the senses. Whether you are a seasoned tea connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this Dragonwell is sure to leave a lasting impression. As someone who deeply enjoys tea, I'm well aware of the vast array of options available. Should Verdant Tea's Shi Feng Dragonwell Green Tea not quite match your preferences, I invite you to explore our other tea reviews for more options that might better suit your taste!

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