Brewing Mao Feng

[murrius]

I got some Mao Feng from Teaspring and really want to like it. I've had hints of what it could be with proper brewing....... but. I've tried brewing in a gaiwan at various temps and times but didn't like it. Today I brewed in a larger glass teapot so the the leaves could stretch out a bit and I liked it better but thought that maybe the temp was too high.

Any advice?

[gingkoseto]

I've tried brewing in a gaiwan at various temps and times but didn't like it. Today I brewed in a larger glass teapot
Any advice?

Larger glass teapot probably is too large for individual use. But gaiwan should be good size. Could it be too low water temperature? I am surprised that their website recommend 70C / 158F water temperature. Huang Shan Mao Feng is a mountain tea and from the website photo, the tea doesn't look like a too young bud stage to require cooler water. Even for young buds of mao feng, many people would use at least 80C / 176F. This tea I believe can go for 90C / 194F. Well but it's not the website's fault. I've noticed many retailers tend to give a lower estimation of water temperature for their tea, and it just seems a general trend, to indicate how young and tender their tea leaves are.

But if you tried everything and still don't like it, probably it's just not your cup of tea and there is nothing wrong. Huang Shan Mao Feng is one of my favorites though

[Jack_teachat]

I got some Mao Feng from Teaspring and really want to like it. I've had hints of what it could be with proper brewing....... but. I've tried brewing in a gaiwan at various temps and times but didn't like it. Today I brewed in a larger glass teapot so the the leaves could stretch out a bit and I liked it better but thought that maybe the temp was too high.

Any advice?

Did you get a free sample too? I'm just about to open mine so thanks for posting this thread!

Jack

[murrius]

Thanks gingko. I brewed the tea at 85F for the first steep and 80F for the second steep in a gaiwan. Both were huge improvements over the lower temp. Sweet with a smooth smoky background. I would not have thought that raising the temp on a green would improve the flavour. Much to learn about tea.

Jack - I didn't get the free sample although now I rather wish that I had.

[Jack_teachat]

Jack - I didn't get the free sample although now I rather wish that I had.

Yeh I was quite pleased, particularly as it was the Cha Wang Huang Shan Mao Feng!

[Chip]

Jack - I didn't get the free sample although now I rather wish that I had.

Yeh I was quite pleased, particularly as it was the Cha Wang Huang Shan Mao Feng!

I was definitely more impressed with the Cha Wang grade in many respects.