Anhua Tian Jian (Heaven Points)
Ān Huà Tiān Jiān · 安化天尖
anhua · loose
Anhua Tian Jian ("Heaven Points") is the highest grade of Anhua loose-leaf dark tea (heicha) from Hunan, made from the earliest spring pluck and limited by definition to no more than 8% stem by mass. Unlike the compressed Fuzhuan and Qianliang formats, Tian Jian is aged loose in a bamboo basket. Traditional processing involves the "Seven-Star Stove" — pine wood is burned during roasting, infusing the tea with a characteristic light pine-smoke aromatic. During the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty (around 1825) it was designated a tribute tea exclusive to the royal family.
Brewing
- Leaf
- 5.0 g / 100 ml
- Water
- 100°C
- Rinse
- yes
- Gongfu steeps (s)
- 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120
Boiling water; for older lots rinse twice. The traditional Seven-Star Stove pine-smoke aromatic is a light wash on top of the heicha base — distinct from Lapsang Souchong's heavy pine smoking.
Tasting notes
- Aroma
- pine smoke, aged wood, dried fruit
- Flavor
- smooth, mellow, sweet, light pine smoke
- Mouthfeel
- thick
- Finish
- long, woody-sweet
Aging potential
Like other Anhua heicha Tian Jian continues to mellow for decades; aged 1990s lots are highly prized for the deeper integration of smoke and sweet wood.
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