Smooth, playful, butterscotch affogato sweetness with plenty of entertaining dilating body sensations as well as exhale aromas, throat effects, and aftertastes on this Guazi Jin.  Minimal spiciness with an extra serving of sweet and creamy yet delicate mouthfeel.  Another medium-roast, rare varietal luxury from Mr. Xu.

瓜子金 Guazi Jin Gold Melon Seed is a lesser known cultivar developed in Wuyi whose raw materials are typically reserved for high level tea producers who know how to accentuate its unique flavor and aroma.  With a slightly stunted, rounded tip at the end of its slender leaf, some have likened the plant's looks to melon seeds, whereas others contend its name is derived from its likeness of flavor.

Mr. Xu's Zhu Keng Gardens

Another ideal Wuyi Mountain hinterland like Wusandi, Zhu Keng "Bamboo Pit" is a tucked away mountain valley village outside of Wuyi City, southeast of Tongmu Pass.  Cradled in nearly all directions by high mountains topping out between 1100-1200 meters high, tea in Zhu Keng is grown on these slopes typically between 350-800 meters.  Known for its 生态 sheng tai ecological teas, this remote pastoral area is clean and remains largely unfettered by agrochemicals.

Mr. Xu, a talented fourth generation tea maker who has many established family gardens of various varietals in select areas in the greater Wuyi Mountains, farms gardens in Zhu Keng not only of plots of Guazi Jin, but also of Shi Ru "Stone Milk" and Bulao Dan, all matured bushes planted around the turn of the century.

We fell in love with Mr. Xu's teas not just for the diversity of interesting cultivars he stewards in an ecologically responsible manner, but also for his fastidious and exacting methods for producing smooth teas without acridity and off flavors.

Mr. Xu crafts another 种 xiao zhong ("small", less known varietal) luxury in this Guazi Jin, and we feel very privileged to experience this one.  We recommend acquiring an aroma spoon to amplify the fragrance intricacies when cupping this special tea (Mr. Xu seen using one in the photos below).   Pick up a stash to enjoy now as well as into the future as it ages.