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.
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.
This tea is a testament to the exquisite tea-making traditions of the Bu Lang tea mountain and the artistry of aging.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2005 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · LiMing Tea Factory
"Li Ming Zhi Guang" (Light of Dawn) is a remarkable expression of the rich flavors and textures characteristic of the Bu Lang tea mountain. Using early spring tea materials, this cake offers a symphony of tastes and aromas that have been carefully aged to perfection.
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 hui gan, 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.
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.
Best for: improving your tea experience. Brew it attentively and follow how it changes; a natural step up for a first-time puerh drinker who wants to go further.
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.
- Bamboo powder (zhu fen): a natural sign of traditional bamboo-husk packing. In Guangdong's warm, humid climate, tiny bamboo insects can make their home in the husk, nibbling the husk and cotton paper wrapper while leaving the tea itself untouched. What they leave behind is a fine powder, seen only on certain teas and more often on aged ones. It is harmless to hygiene; a few strokes with a clean toothbrush or soft brush before brewing is all it takes.
- 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.
