Yi Wu, often called the queen of puerh, is known for a smooth, resilient body, low bitterness and astringency, and a slow, lingering sweetness that ages well; this tea is made from its leaf. At this age, Yi Wu sheng is often starting to soften, though storage plays a part. From KingTeaMall — a 2014 sheng (raw) puerh brick in the Yi Wu - Gua Feng Zhai - Huang Pian line.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2014 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 250g brick · KingTeaMall
- Compression & dry leaf: This tea is sold as a 250g brick.
- Liquor: In the cup it is typically golden to amber at this stage.
- Taste: The first steeps are soft, with only a light bitterness. As it opens up, the taste turns sweet.
- Mouthfeel & body: The texture is thick and soft.
- Aftertaste: It leaves salivation (sheng jin).
- Best for: everyday drinking, and a comfortable place to start for those new to puerh.
Brewing Guide
Water: fully boiling, 100°C (212°F).
- Warm the pot and cups, then add about 5g of leaf per 100ml.
- Rinse the leaves once with boiling water and let them rest, covered, for about 10 minutes.
- Steep the first rounds for 10–15 seconds, adding about 5 seconds with each round.
- Pour every steep into a fairness pitcher before serving.
- Serve. Sheng puerh resteeps well for many rounds.
Treat these as starting points rather than fixed rules. Try high or low pours, fast or slow, and brew in different seasons to find the method that suits you. Brewing the same tea well in any year, season, weather or place takes practice, and that skill is the real goal.
Storage
Keep the tea ventilated, cool and dry, away from sunlight and strong odors (kitchen spices, smoke). For long-term aging, paper or clay containers breathe better than sealed plastic.
A Note on Appearance
Not every brick 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.
