Cool Hunting

As the most popular drink on earth (second only to water), tea has legions of purists. And nowhere is that more acute than in China, where the beverage originated more than a millennium ago. So it's no surprise that Jing Tea exhibits the all the hallmarks of a superior leaf. The tea's scent makes the most immediate impression, almost more distinctly than its flavor. Opening a gold foil bag of Jing tea is an olfactory explosion, each bag packing an overwhelming bouquet of scents that defy its voyage halfway around the world. The sweet aromas of their green and white teas are perfectly rendered in the prepared drink. And as we transition into full-on summer mode, we were happy to find that particularly the white teas, are just as delicious iced.

Though a British company, the tea comes from China, as well as India, Sri Lanka, Japan and Taiwan. Harvest are scrupulous witch each bag bearing the exact day of harvest. Does it taste any different knowing that my Organic Dragon Well Supreme (pictured) was hand-picked on 3 April 2009 in Zhejiang, China? Probably not, but it signifies a testament to quality that's reassuring to read.

The varieties we sampled were "pre-rain" teas, meaning they are the exceptionally tender first spring shoots. (It’s also known as Pre Qing Ming tea, after the eponymous April festival when Chinese families visit and tend to the graves of deceased family or friends as a sign of respect.)

Many respectable locations like Harrods, Gordon Ramsay restaurants, Tate Galleries, The Lanesborough, Brown's hotels and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Lounges serve and sell Jing Tea. You can also order directly from their website.