Yi Wu is known for a resilient, full character that is low in bitterness and astringency, with honeyed, floral sweetness and strong aging potential; this tea is made from its leaf. Aged Yi Wu sheng can turn smoother and woodier over time, but storage makes a big difference. Here is "Yi Wu Zheng Shan" (Yi Wu Right Mountain Green Sun) from XiaGuan, a 2010 sheng (raw) puerh in a 357g cake.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2010 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · XiaGuan Tea Factory
- Compression & dry leaf: It is a tightly pressed 357g cake. Look for neat, tight threads and visible buds in the dry leaf.
- Liquor: In the cup it is clear and bright, typically amber to orange-amber for sheng of this age.
- Taste: The first steeps are mellow and soft, with only a light bitterness and slight astringency. The middle steeps bring out notes of sugarcane, with a sweet and balanced taste. Its layers unfold gradually over the session.
- Mouthfeel & body: In the mouth it feels smooth, soft and mellow. Drinkers who look for cha qi will find it here.
- Aftertaste: It leaves a returning sweetness (hui gan), plenty of salivation and a long finish.
- Best for: improving your tea experience. Brew it attentively and follow how it changes; a natural step up for a drinker new to puerh who wants to go further.
Brewing Guide
Water: rolling boil, 100°C (212°F).
- Rinse teaware with hot water; use roughly 5g of tea for each 100ml of vessel.
- Give the leaves one quick rinse, then cover and rest about 10 minutes to wake them up.
- Begin with 10–15 second steeps, lengthening each by about 5 seconds.
- Decant fully into a sharing pitcher each time.
- Enjoy — good sheng keeps giving for many infusions.
Use this as a starting point, not a fixed formula. Play with pour height and speed, and notice how the tea answers in different weather and seasons. Learning to brew one tea well anywhere, anytime is the real craft.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place with gentle airflow, out of direct light and away from strong smells such as cooking spices or smoke. If you plan to age it for years, breathable paper or clay storage suits puerh better than airtight plastic.
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.
