The robust flavors and lightly toasty fragrance have earned this tea its fitting name in Chinese--Tong Tian Xiang--meaning the fragrance goes up to the sky.  The tea liquor is smooth and carries a good high mountain feeling. The fragrance rises quickly and carries lasting notes of roasted orchids and wild flowers which we all love.

Storage: Store unused portions sealed in an airtight bag away from light in the freezer at 5F/-15C or below. 

Brewing water: Poland Spring (called Origin Brand in some areas) brand water most closely matches the slightly hard natural spring water on Phoenix Mountain and produces the finest results. Soft water, distilled water and hard water will ruin this tea. Tap water varies wildly and is best avoided as well. If you don't have Poland Spring (called Origin Brand in some areas) brand mineral water available please see good substitutions on our water page.

Brewing temperature: 100C/212F

Brewing method:  5g tea leaves (~2 heaping Tablespoons), 100ml (a bit less than 1/2 cup) water each time for 5 seconds in a Chinese gaiwan or a small pot. After the first 10 infusions, increase each infusion time by 5 seconds. To produce lighter tea, either decrease amount of tea, increase amount of water or decrease brewing time. To produce stronger tea, either increase amount of tea, decrease amount of water or increase brewing time. You can easily adjust to suit your individual taste.

Notes:  Small quick infusions showcase the changing flavors of each cup. Longer brewing times in larger quantities of water end up more homogeneous, but still very good results.