"Li Ming Zhi Guang" (Light of Dawn) is a remarkable expression of the rich flavors and textures characteristic of the Bulang tea mountain. Using early spring tea materials, this cake offers a symphony of tastes and aromas that have been carefully aged to perfection.
The cake itself exhibits a relative looseness, a feature that suggests ease of separation and a gentle aging process. This looseness in the cake's structure is indicative of a thoughtful production process that takes into account the tea's maturation over time.
Upon brewing, the tea produces an orange soup that is notable for its brightness and clearness, qualities that are highly sought after in aged teas. The clarity and brightness of the tea liquor suggest a purity and refinement, setting the stage for a rich and complex tasting experience.
The flavor of the tea is characterized by a well-aged taste, thick and strong, yet mellow. This robustness is accompanied by some bitterness and astringency, but these elements retreat quickly, leaving a pleasant and balanced aftertaste. The honey-like sweetness that follows is a delightful contrast, adding a layer of complexity and making each sip a journey of flavors.
The mouthfeel of the tea is varied, offering a dynamic range of sensations. The resilience of the brewed tea leaf is notable, indicating the high quality of the early spring materials used and their capacity to withstand multiple brewings.
The tea soup is not only clear and bright but also dense, a characteristic that adds to the tea's full-bodied nature. The Huigan, or returning sweetness, is pronounced, leaving a lasting impression of sweetness in the mouth. Additionally, the tea is known for its significant saliva production, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
The tea's unique fragrance, developed through years of natural aging in Guangzhou, adds another dimension to its profile. This aged fragrance is both rich and refreshing, contributing to the tea's varied taste.
In summary, the 2005 LiMing "Li Ming Zhi Guang" Cake is a splendid example of Puerh Sheng Cha Raw Tea's potential for complexity and depth. Its relative looseness, orange tea soup, well-aged flavor, honey-like sweetness, and varied mouthfeel, all enhanced by Guangzhou's natural storage, make it an outstanding choice for tea enthusiasts and collectors alike. This tea is a testament to the exquisite tea-making traditions of the Bulang tea mountain and the artistry of aging.