Mellow and expansive, this batch has hardly any of the dry finish typically associated with foshou, leaving the flavors of the varietal to stand on their own. Very much a modern-styled tea (processed with a light touch), this one really stands out in my memory. Even if foshou has not been your choice in the past, this tea could be worth a try.

A tea with exquisite balance between its initial fruit-sweet flavor and subsequent dry finish. This batch is long on complexity with a rich color in the cup, but does not have a heavy flavor. This tea seems to me particularly suited to fall in North America, somehow mirroring the balance found among seasonal fruits, spices, and root vegetables. Limited availability.

A balanced and smooth tea made from very large leaves. This batch is dry but not heavy, and the finish lingers pleasantly. If you haven't tried foshou before, this is my pick as an excellent example of the varietal.

Rich and flavorful, but not too dry. There's even a hint of sweetness in the finish.