2026 Meng Ding Gan Lu

Meng Ding Gan Lu — Lao Chuan Cha cultivar. 3g. 100 ml gaiwan. 85–90°C.

The dry leaves are small, tender, a fine down held close. The scent sits low, with a light sweetness, not lifted.

Warmed in the gaiwan, a cool floral note comes up first, close to lily-of-the-valley, fine, not spread. A thin citrus line follows, closer to peel than juice, passing through. Underneath, raw almond, held low.

The liquor is clear. In the mouth, it moves across the tongue with a light broth-like body, not thick, but carrying a soft weight. No bitterness, no rough edge. A faint wild-herb line runs through the middle, clean, not sharp. The sweetness comes early, closer to a light forest honey, sitting on the tongue.

As it settles, the broth-like texture stays, smooth and even, holding the liquor together. The floral note stays close. The citrus moves in and out. The almond remains underneath, holding the base. Across the infusions, everything holds. The sweetness stays. The liquor remains clear. The finish is clean, with a steady return.