Golden Stallion Eyebrow (Jin Jun Mei) 金骏眉

Golden Stallion Eyebrow 金骏眉 (Jīn Jùn Méi) is a premium Chinese black tea (红茶, hóngchá) from Wuyishan, Fujian Province. It is known for its delicate, sweet, and complex flavor profile.

Key Features of 金骏眉:

• Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian, China
• Tea Type: Black Tea (红茶)
• Appearance: Small, tightly rolled golden and black leaves
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, fruity, with hints of honey, caramel, and floral notes
• Aroma: Rich and mellow, with a natural sweetness and roasted undertones
• Processing: Handpicked from young buds of wild tea trees and carefully oxidized

金骏眉 is considered one of the highest-quality black teas in China, often enjoyed for its smoothness and lingering aftertaste.

1. Western-Style Brewing (Simple & Easy)

This method is great for a smooth, mellow cup with balanced flavors.

What You’ll Need:

• Tea Amount: 3-5g per 250ml (8oz) of water
• Water Temperature: 85-90°C (185-195°F)
• Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes
• Number of Infusions: 2-3

Steps:

1. Preheat your teapot or cup by rinsing it with hot water.
2. Add tea leaves to the teapot or infuser.
3. Pour hot water over the leaves and steep for 2-3 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust: If you prefer a stronger brew, increase steeping time slightly.
5. Re-steep up to 2-3 times, slightly increasing the time with each infusion.

2. Gongfu-Style Brewing (Traditional Chinese Method)

This method brings out the full complexity of Jīn Jùn Méi through multiple infusions.

What You’ll Need:

• Tea Amount: 5-7g per 100ml (3oz) Gaiwan or Yixing teapot
• Water Temperature: 90-95°C (194-203°F)
• Steeping Time: 5-10 sec per infusion
• Number of Infusions: 6-8

Steps:

1. Warm the teaware by rinsing with hot water.
2. Rinse the tea leaves with a quick 2-second flash rinse (optional).
3. First Steep: Pour hot water and steep for 5-10 seconds.
4. Subsequent Steeps: Increase steeping time slightly (e.g., 10s, 15s, 20s).
5. Enjoy the evolving flavors—early steeps are sweet and floral, later steeps develop caramel and malt notes.

3. Cold Brew Method (Refreshing & Smooth)

For a chilled, naturally sweet version.

What You’ll Need:

• Tea Amount: 6-8g per 500ml (17oz) of cold water
• Steeping Time: 6-12 hours in the fridge
• Serving: Strain and serve over ice

Steps:

1. Place tea leaves in a pitcher with cold, filtered water.
2. Let it steep in the fridge for 6-12 hours.
3. Strain and enjoy a refreshing, naturally sweet iced tea.