Description:
The 2012 XiaGuan "Bao Yan Jin Cha" (Fire Tight Tuo) is a notable offering from XiaGuan Tea Factory, revered for its dedication to quality and tradition in Puerh tea production. This tea, part of the esteemed "Bao Yan" (Fire) series, carries a rich history and a distinct flavor profile that appeals to tea enthusiasts seeking a memorable drinking experience.
Appearance:
The "Bao Yan Jin Cha" features a high ratio of young buds and tiny leaves adorned with multi-tea hairs. The entire tuo (nest) is tightly pressed, reflecting XiaGuan's commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Its clear tea liquor color exudes brightness, inviting enthusiasts to savor its flavors.
Taste:
- Smoky Flavor with Tea Original Fragrance and Aged Characters: The tea offers a unique smoky flavor infused with the original fragrance of the tea leaves. Additionally, it carries aged characters, indicating depth and complexity developed over time.
- Rich, Smooth, and Sweet: Expect a rich and smooth texture accompanied by natural sweetness that lingers on the palate, providing a delightful sensory experience.
- Minor Bitterness and Astringency: While the tea may display minor bitterness and astringency, these characteristics are balanced by its overall richness and sweetness.
- Good on Huigan and Saliva Production: The tea is known for its Huigan, or returning sweetness, and its ability to stimulate saliva production, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
- Lingering Tea Flavor from Aftertastes: The tea leaves a lingering tea flavor in the mouth, with aftertastes that evolve and unfold with each sip, adding to its complexity.
History of "Bao Yan" Series:
The "Bao Yan" (Fire) series has a storied history dating back to the middle of the last century. Initially catering to regions such as Tibet, western Sichuan province, and Yunnan province, the brand was officially registered in the late 1990s. Production was sporadic until Fei Tai tea company revived the series in 2003, updating the recipe and quality to suit modern market demands. Since then, the "Bao Yan" series has been successfully reintroduced, offering a range of tea types including tuo (nest), cake, and brick.
Storage:
Similar to other XiaGuan teas discussed earlier, the "Bao Yan Jin Cha" has been stored naturally in Guangzhou. This natural storage environment facilitates the aging process, allowing the tea to develop its unique flavor profile and characteristics over time.
Summary:
The 2012 XiaGuan "Bao Yan Jin Cha" (Fire Tight Tuo) stands as a testament to XiaGuan's commitment to quality and tradition in Puerh tea production. Its distinct flavor profile, rich history, and meticulous craftsmanship make it a sought-after choice among tea connoisseurs. Whether enjoyed now or aged for future appreciation, this tea promises a memorable drinking experience that captures the essence of XiaGuan's esteemed "Bao Yan" series.