This exquisite tea, crafted from early spring harvests of old trees in the Meng Hai tea region, is a celebration of the unique qualities that early spring teas are renowned for.
The tea is composed of tight and clear threads, a testament to the careful and skilled processing it undergoes. These well-defined threads are not just a visual treat but also a sign of quality and attention to detail in tea making.
This smokiness adds a layer of complexity and depth, enhancing the overall sensory experience without overpowering the tea's natural softness.
In terms of body, the tea is rich and thick, indicative of the high-quality early spring leaves used in its production.
This natural aging process contributes significantly to the tea's character, making it a product of both the rich terroir of the Meng Hai region and the careful craftsmanship of its producers.
Whether enjoyed as a special treat or as part of a regular tea ritual, it offers a delightful and enriching experience.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2005 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · LiMing Tea Factory
Specifically designed to highlight the mellowness, thickness, and fragrance characteristic of these early harvests, this tea is a true connoisseur's delight.
A distinctive aspect of this tea is the subtle smoky flavor that intertwines gracefully with its inherent mellowness.
The taste of the tea is notably soft, with a smooth texture that caresses the palate. This smoothness is complemented by a refreshing sweetness, which balances the smoky notes and adds a light, uplifting quality to each sip.
The varied tastes it offers unfold gradually, revealing different facets with each brewing and making every cup a new discovery.
One of the most remarkable features of this tea is its obvious hui gan, or returning sweetness. This pleasant aftertaste lingers long after the tea has been consumed, accompanied by a notable production of saliva, which enhances the tasting experience and leaves a lasting impression of satisfaction.
Aged under the natural storage conditions of Guangzhou, this tea has matured beautifully, allowing its flavors and aromas to meld and evolve.
In summary, this early spring tea from the Meng Hai region is a masterful blend of smokiness, mellowness, and refreshing sweetness. Its rich body, varied tastes, and significant hui gan make it an exceptional choice for those who appreciate the nuanced and evolving flavors of well-crafted teas.
Best for: improving your tea experience. Brew it attentively and follow how it changes; a natural step up for a newcomer who wants to go further.
Brewing Guide
Water: fully boiling, 100°C (212°F).
- Warm the pot and cups, then add about 5g of leaf per 100ml.
- Rinse the leaves once with boiling water and let them rest, covered, for about 10 minutes.
- Steep the first rounds for 10–15 seconds, adding about 5 seconds with each round.
- Pour every steep into a fairness pitcher before serving.
- Serve. Sheng puerh resteeps well for many rounds.
Treat these as starting points rather than fixed rules. Try high or low pours, fast or slow, and brew in different seasons to find the method that suits you. Brewing the same tea well in any year, season, weather or place takes practice, and that skill is the real goal.
Storage
Keep the tea ventilated, cool and dry, away from sunlight and strong odors (kitchen spices, smoke). For long-term aging, paper or clay containers breathe better than sealed plastic.
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.
