Pi Lo Chun green tea (or green snail spring) offered by Adagio.com is a well-balanced cup of green. It brews a soft delicate cup and is a fine Chinese green tea.
Some folks report it as being flowery, slightly grassy, mellow, and sometimes bitter. Speaking of...
Brewing this tea the correct way is important! This is another variety where you definitely want to watch your temperature and steeping time...more importantly time! My initial review steeping of this green tea was just a tad over 3 minutes and probably the reason for me getting that "tangy" nuance which is a quick release of tannins.
However, once brewed to perfection, this tea makes a very pleasing cup of green. I recommend the 2 to 2 1/2 minute range in 180 degree water.
Also, I have found that there is a sort of "zone" with this tea, meaning, that for a couple of minutes when the liquor is at a very warm, (not hot) drinking temperature, the tea's full body and overall flavor potential is at its best. Once it starts to cool, some slight fuzziness starts to tickle the palate, so avoid letting it idle and drink it while it's still steaming!
Overall, this is a good afternoon Chinese green tea worth sampling and adding to your collection. It is not as grassy as the stronger Sencha or Gyokuro green teas which makes it a good starter for newcomers who prefer a more subtle cup of green.
A great set up for the more robust "Green Anji" variety also worth consideration.
