The leaf comes from Bu Lang in Meng Hai, which is known for intensity and weight: high bitterness up front, then a quick, strong returning sweetness. Old-tree (gu shu) leaf is what sets the "Yuan Ye Xiang" apart: it typically brews thicker and lasts longer than plantation leaf. Aged Bu Lang sheng can turn smoother and woodier over time, but storage makes a big difference. From TuLinFengHuang — a 2010 sheng (raw) puerh cake in the Yuan Ye Xiang - Bu Lang line.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2010 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 380g cake · TuLinFengHuang
- Compression & dry leaf: It is pressed into a 380g cake.
- Liquor: Expect a clear, bright liquor, typically amber to orange-amber for sheng of this age.
- Taste: The first steeps are mellow, with only a light bitterness and slight astringency. The middle infusions are sweet and balanced.
- Mouthfeel & body: In the mouth it feels smooth and mellow.
- Aftertaste: Swallow and you notice a strong hui gan, plenty of salivation and a long finish.
- Best for: everyday drinking at home or at work; newcomers will find it approachable.
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.
