Gu Zhang Mao Jian古丈毛尖

Gu Zhang Mao Jian is a Mao Jian green tea from Guzhang County, Xiangxi, Hunan, China. Brew it at 80°C with 3g of leaf per 100ml of water; expect up to 5 short infusions in a small gaiwan or teapot. No rinse needed.

Tasting notes

Watch the clock on this one. Gu Zhang Mao Jian has some of the thinnest, most downy leaves in the Mao Jian family, and that means it extracts fast — fifteen seconds can already be too much if the water is on the hot side. Brewed attentively the cup is surprisingly perfumed for a Hunan green: rose water, something like white grapes, and a fresh-mown grass note that sits underneath. Push it even slightly and the rose collapses into a scratchy astringency that stays for the rest of the session. The right move is a low ratio, cooler water around 78–80°C, and the discipline to stop the pour at ten or twelve seconds on the first couple of infusions. This is not a tea that rewards multitasking. It's also not a tea that lasts — three elegant steeps, a fourth that's clearly tired, and it's done. For the price it's worth the care; just don't put it in a mug.

Flavor profile

One of Hunan's most delicate greens with thin, downy leaves that infuse quickly. The cup is light and slightly sweet with faint fruity and rose-like notes. Thin leaves mean it extracts fast — over-steeping easily tips the balance toward astringency.

Terroir

Mountainous Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture, misty subtropical climate, acidic red soil

Cultivar: Local Hunan small-leaf cultivar

Brewing

1. Steep 1: 15 seconds
2. Steep 2: 15 seconds
3. Steep 3: 25 seconds
4. Steep 4: 35 seconds
5. Steep 5: 50 seconds

Thin leaves infuse rapidly. Keep steeps short to avoid astringency. Glass or porcelain gaiwan recommended.

Aroma & taste

Processing

• pan-fired
• hand-rolled

Sources

• https://svtea.com/products/copy-of-gu-zhang-mao-jian-organic-green-tea
• https://teajourneyman.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/gu-zhang-mao-jian-green-tea-from-hunan-xiangfeng-tea-industry-co-ltd/
• https://lapsangstore.com/products/gt09