CHIGAN 赤甘 (2026）

Chigan Zhengshan Xiaozhong from Masu Village. High-mountain black tea made from tender Cai Cha leaves. Nectar sweetness, bamboo freshness, and smooth texture. Tea Profile Type: Black Tea (Zhengshan Xiaozhong 正山小种 / Lapsang Souchong) Location: Masu Village (麻粟村), Tongmu Guan (桐木关), Wuyishan Altitude: Around 1300 m Harvest Date: May5th ,2026 Cultivar: Cai Cha 菜茶 (Qun Ti Zhong 群体种) Age of Tea Trees: Over 100 years Picking Standard: Two tender leaves The Story of This Tea Chigan is a rare and elegant grade of Zhengshan Xiaozhong that bridges the gap between Jin Jun Mei and traditional Lapsang Souchong. Jin Jun Mei uses only tiny spring buds. Zhengshan Xiaozhong is made from mature leaves. Chigan sits between them, crafted from tender leaves that have just begun to unfurl. This balance gives it both freshness and depth. This 2026 harvest comes from Masu Village, one of the highest hamlets in Tongmu Guan at about 1300 meters. The old Cai Cha bushes here are over a century old and grow naturally among bamboo and forest undergrowth. The high elevation, clean air, and rich biodiversity give the tea a nectar-like aroma with a touch of bamboo leaf freshness and soft woodiness. The result is a cup that feels both refined and nourishing, combining the delicacy of a bud tea with the strength of a mature leaf. Compared to last year, the price has actually gone down a lot, but in terms of quality, I can confidently say that this tea is truly outstanding. Aroma and Flavour This Chigan expresses Tongmu’s mountain character in a graceful, understated way. The aroma carries nectar and bamboo freshness. The liquor is clear golden-red with smooth, layered sweetness. It feels viscous and silky in the mouth. The aftertaste lingers with soft mountain coolness and quiet sweetness. Compared with Masu Old Bush Zhengshan Xiaozhong, this version leans toward lightness and floral clarity rather than woody strength. Aroma: Nectar and bamboo leaf freshness with light woody undertones Flavor: Naturally sweet and layered, fuller than most Jin Jun Mei Texture: Viscous, smooth, and refined Aftertaste: Lingering sweetness with cooling mountain yun Liquor: Clear golden-red, bright and lively Steeping Endurance: 6 to 8 infusions Brewing Guidelines Gong Fu Style Teaware: Zhuni 朱泥 teapot to emphasise sweetness or porcelain gaiwan for clarity Ratio: 4 g per 100–110 ml water Water: 95–100 °C spring water Infusions: Rinse once, then brew 6–8 times, gradually extending the steeping time Western Style Teaware: Porcelain or glass teapot Ratio: 3–4 g per 250 ml water Water: 90–95 °C Steeping: 2–3 minutes for the first infusion. Resteep 2–3 times, lengthening slightly each round Why Choose This Tea Chigan represents a rare and refined expression of Tongmu black tea tradition. Harvested from century-old Cai Cha bushes in Masu Village, it captures the high mountain purity and balance of the Tongmu ecosystem. The use of tender leaves gives it both sweetness and texture, creating a cup that feels elegant, rich, and deeply comforting. A distinctive grade that stands between Jin Jun Mei and Zhengshan Xiaozhong, showing the perfect harmony of freshness, warmth, and quiet power.