The leaf comes from Ba Da on the western edge of Meng Hai, which is known for a wild, grassy character that is firm and bitter when young and grows deeper with age. Old-tree (gu shu) leaf is what sets the "Ba Da Shan" apart: it typically brews thicker and lasts longer than plantation leaf. After years of natural storage in Guangzhou, sheng like this may show a deeper, more mellow side, though results depend on how it was kept. From FuHai — a 2005 sheng (raw) puerh cake in the Ba Da Shan - Ye Sheng Cha line.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2005 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · FuHai
- Compression & dry leaf: This is a 357g cake with a firm, tight compression. Look for neat, tight threads in the dry leaf.
- Liquor: The liquor is clear and bright, typically amber to orange-amber for sheng of this age.
- Taste: The first steeps are mellow and fresh, with only a light bitterness and slight astringency. The middle infusions are sweet and balanced.
- Mouthfeel & body: The texture is mellow.
- Aftertaste: It leaves a lingering sweetness.
- Best for: improving your tea experience, especially if you already know a few sheng teas and want to taste more closely.
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.
