Old-tree (gu shu) leaf is what sets the "Lao Shu Yuan Cha" apart: it typically brews thicker and lasts longer than plantation leaf. After its years of storage, it now drinks smooth. From QunYingHui — a 2012 sheng (raw) puerh cake in the Lao Shu Yuan Cha line.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2012 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · QunYingHui
- Compression & dry leaf: The tea comes as a 357g cake. The leaf itself shows well-formed threads.
- Liquor: It brews a clear, bright, deep-amber liquor.
- Taste: The early infusions show no bitterness and slight astringency, balanced by a natural sweetness. As it opens up, the taste turns sweet and balanced.
- Mouthfeel & body: The texture is smooth, silky and mellow.
- Aftertaste: The aftertaste brings salivation (sheng jin).
- Best for: everyday drinking without fuss. Suitable for novices as well as regular sheng drinkers.
Brewing Guide
Water: 100°C (212°F), fully boiling.
- Preheat the vessel; add around 5g per 100ml.
- One rinse to open the leaves, then a covered rest of about 10 minutes.
- Steep 10–15 seconds at first, adding ~5 seconds per round.
- Always pour out completely into a fairness cup before drinking.
- Keep steeping — sheng rewards patience with many rounds.
These are guidelines to start from, not rules to obey. Experiment with your pour, your pace, and the season; the same leaf tastes different on a rainy day. The goal is the skill to brew it well whenever, wherever.
Storage
Give it air, coolness and dryness; keep it out of the sun and clear of potent odors (spices, smoke). For multi-year aging, paper or unglazed clay lets the tea breathe in a way sealed plastic never will.
A Note on Appearance
Not every cake shows these, but they can occur, especially in teas with more years of storage.
- Small dark specks: tiny dark specks may appear on the wrapper or tea edges of naturally stored puerh. They are harmless and can be brushed off before brewing.
- Tea oil spots: yellowish spots may appear and can come from natural tea oils. They are not a flaw.
- Torn wrapper: small tears or holes in the cotton paper may happen during storage and handling. The tea inside is unaffected.
