The old-tree (gu shu) leaf comes from Nan Nuo in Meng Hai, which is known for the balanced side of Meng Hai, sweet and fragrant with only a light, passing bitterness. The "NAN NUO BA MA" uses old-tree (gu shu) leaf, which usually gives more body and a longer finish than plantation leaf. Still young, Nan Nuo sheng like this usually shows its character plainly. From KingTeaMall — a 2018 sheng (raw) puerh cake in the NAN NUO BA MA line.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2018 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 200g cake · KingTeaMall
- Compression & dry leaf: It is pressed into a 200g cake.
- Liquor: The liquor is golden yellow, as is usual for young sheng.
- Taste: It opens pure, with some bitterness and slight astringency, balanced by a natural sweetness. The middle steeps bring out floral and fruity notes with a touch of sugarcane, with a sweet and rich taste.
- Mouthfeel & body: The body comes across as smooth. It also has cha qi, the body sensation many drinkers look for.
- Aftertaste: It leaves plenty of salivation.
- Best for: improving your tea experience. Take your time with it — a good choice once you are no longer a first-time puerh drinker.
Brewing Guide
Water: 100°C (212°F), fully boiling.
- Preheat the vessel; add around 5g per 100ml.
- One rinse to open the leaves, then a covered rest of about 10 minutes.
- Steep 10–15 seconds at first, adding ~5 seconds per round.
- Always pour out completely into a fairness cup before drinking.
- Keep steeping — sheng rewards patience with many rounds.
These are guidelines to start from, not rules to obey. Experiment with your pour, your pace, and the season; the same leaf tastes different on a rainy day. The goal is the skill to brew it well whenever, wherever.
Storage
Give it air, coolness and dryness; keep it out of the sun and clear of potent odors (spices, smoke). For multi-year aging, paper or unglazed clay lets the tea breathe in a way sealed plastic never will.
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.
