Description:
Tea Type: Sheng Cha (Raw Puerh)
Weight: 357g Cake
Name: "Jin Da Yi" (Golden TAE) Cake
Year: 2011
Origination:
The 2011 DaYi "Jin Da Yi" (Golden TAE) Cake is a distinguished product from the renowned Menghai Tea Factory. This particular cake represents the second generation of the original No. 5 green cake, which was first produced in 2003. The golden words printed on its wrapper have earned it the affectionate nickname "Jin Da Yi" (Golden Dayi). The tea is crafted using strictly selected high-quality tea materials sourced from the famous tea mountains in Menghai County, a region celebrated for its rich tea cultivation heritage.
Tea Materials and Appearance:
The tea leaves used in this cake are meticulously chosen for their quality and characteristics. The round cake is relatively loose, which facilitates even aging and flavor development. The leaves are notably fat and strong, adorned with silver tea hairs that indicate their premium quality. This careful selection and natural aging before pressing contribute to the tea's exceptional profile.
Taste Profile:
- Tea Soup: The infusion yields an orange-yellow tea soup with remarkable brightness, indicating the tea's vitality and purity.
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Flavor Notes:
- Smoky Note: There is a slight smoky flavor that adds complexity and depth to the overall taste experience.
- Fragrance: The tea exudes a honey-like fragrance, which enhances the aromatic profile and provides a delightful sensory experience.
- Taste: On the palate, the tea is viscous and thick, offering a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel. The sweetness resembles that of sugar cane, providing a natural and pleasant sweetness that balances the more robust flavors.
- Balance: The flavor profile is well-balanced, with each note harmonizing perfectly to create a cohesive and enjoyable taste.
- Mouthfeel: The varied mouthfeel is a hallmark of this tea. It presents an apparent Huigan (returning sweetness) that emerges quickly and prominently, leaving a lasting impression.
- Aftertaste: The tea promotes fast saliva production, a sign of high-quality puerh, and the lingering aged tea flavor continues to develop and evolve in the mouth long after the tea is swallowed.
Storage:
- Location: Guangzhou
- Conditions: The tea has been stored naturally in Guangzhou, a location known for its favorable conditions for aging puerh tea. The natural storage process helps preserve the tea's original fragrance and flavor while allowing it to mature and develop additional complexity over time.
Significance:
The 2011 DaYi "Jin Da Yi" Cake is more than just a tea; it is a testament to the tradition and expertise of the Menghai Tea Factory. Its production follows a lineage of excellence, and its quality is a reflection of the meticulous care taken at every stage, from leaf selection to storage. This cake offers not only a rich and satisfying tea-drinking experience but also a piece of puerh history, making it a prized addition to any tea enthusiast's collection. Whether enjoyed now or aged further, this tea promises a delightful and nuanced experience with every sip.