2012 Yi Shan Mo

In a Sentence

Wildflower and herbal lightness with good feel

Wet Leaf Aroma

Honey, barnyard, thyme, hay, wild herbs, dark

Tasting Notes

The initial flavor is herbal with tender candy sweetness alongside a watery and slightly buttery mouthfeel . Wildflowers emerge followed by a bit of a dry, herbaceous note and some walnut bitterness along with some tartness. honey. The tea tastes somewhat subdued – no single flavour distinctly stands out - but presents an overall darker/malty body accented by wild herbs sweet notes reminiscent of forest honey. Yi Shan Mo often reminds me of herbs like thyme, this one too. Easy drinker, more on the thin side.

What it feels like

Comforting and relaxing with its 12 years of age it reminds me of a walk in the autumn forest

Quick

Sheng ★★★ Tea Urchin

Details

Entry Date

19.03.2025

Country

China

Region

Yiwu, Yishanmo

Season

Spring

Price EUR/50g

Link

teaurchin.com

Properties

Qi (1-5) i The tea’s felt effect on body and mind.

Journal

What's intriguing about this tea is that the first taste invokes an expectation of sweetness, which isn’t fully realized; it quickly transitions to a more herbal flavor and doesn’t leave a strong aftertaste I felt there should be—as if the experience abruptly ended after leaving a good initial impression.

This might also be due to the sample's extensive travels, though airing out the bag in a warmer room for a few hours beforehand helps smooth it out (its winter here at the mountain house).

Overall, it’s really enjoyable! It feels relaxing and like good quality leaves. The vendor states it originates from unpruned 200-year-old trees with an early spring harvest. Taste-wise, it remains somewhat muted, presenting a darker body with fewer high notes, yet retains subtle hints of wildflowers and thyme and foresthoney alongside some bitter/tartness and no astringency.

Plus, it’s very affordable!