April 30, 2025
by Cynthia Fazekas
Lush and smooth for days: That is how we would describe the 2025 Jin Kong Que. This tea has palate-grabbing hooks if you need a distraction from the everyday. From the wildflower honey aroma wafting from the warm cup, to the plush toastiness and cocoa notes, and finally a soft mineral and citrus peel finish, this tea feels decadent yet grounding, and draws you in.
To make the most of this lusciousness, try gongfu brewing: use a 120ml | 4 oz gaiwan brewing vessel and measure 5 grams of dry leaves into it. Using 212°F water, do a quick wash of the leaf and discard. This awakens the leaves. Now pour more of the 212°F water over the leaves and steep for 30 seconds. Decant into a cup or small pitcher if sharing. Enjoy this first steep. When done, re-steep the leaves with 212°F for another 30 seconds or a little longer - if you wish. Decant and enjoy.
Continue to resteep until the flavor completely fades. Notice the differences between the subsequent infusions. Alternatively, you can pour the separate infusions into a larger pitcher or cup, combining each steep for one maximal brew. There’s no wrong way to get the most out of these lovely leaves.
