2016 Tianjian Anhua Dark Tea Dragon Ball Tian Jian (天尖), translated as “Heavenly Tips Tea,” derives its name from Chinese where “Tian” means “Heaven” and “Jian” means “Tips.” True to its name, Tian Jian represents one of the most renowned and top-grade varieties of Anhua Dark Tea. Traditionally crafted from the finest young tea leaf tips in loose-leaf form, this post-fermented tea develops deeper, sweeter flavors with prolonged aging—making well-stored vintages like this 2016 harvest. Harvested in spring 2016 from the prized Yuntai large-leaf variety (Grade 1), this exceptional Tian Jian dark tea has been aged for over 9 years, developing a deep, mellow pine smoke aroma and a beautifully rich and complex flavor profile. Grown on the mist-shrouded slopes of Yuntai Mountain in Anhua (elevation: 1,000 meters), these leaves carry an 800-year legacy of tea cultivation. The tea was specially rolled into dragon balls in 2024, the tea has further concentrated its rich character, offering smooth, mellow and aged flavours in every sip. Traditional Processing: Dried over a “Seven-Star Stove” with pinewood smoke, the tea imparting a distinctive woody, smoky fragrance characteristic of authentic Anhua dark tea Liquor: A luminous: orange-yellow soup, clear and bright. Aroma and Taste: A refined pine smoke fragrance, layered with woody and earthy aroma. Rich and full-bodied, with a velvety texture, balanced sweetness, and lingering huigan. Leaves: After a few infusion, the tender yellow-brown leaves unfurl, revealing their high-grade quality and careful processing. Weight per pack: 5 pieces (around 7g/piece) Tea Farm Location: Wild Ancient Tree in Tian Tai Mountain, Anhua, Hunan, China Harvest Time: Spring 2016 Tasting Notes: Layered texture and smooth mouthfeel. Lingering sweetness with well layered pine smoke, woody, earthy notes Tea Liquor Colour: Bright orange colour
