The 2016 ChenShengHao "Hou" (Zodiac Monkey Year) Cake is a 500g Puerh Ripe Tea (Shou Cha) that is part of ChenShengHao's annual Zodiac Year Commemoration series. This series uses big tree tea leaves, selected for their quality and symbolic names often associated with blessings.
Characteristics:
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Cake Structure:
- The tea cake is relatively loose, with tight and neat tea threads, making it visually appealing and easy to break apart for brewing.
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Flavor Profile:
- Smoothness: The tea has a smooth texture, providing a pleasant mouthfeel.
- Thickness: It offers a thick, robust body, which is characteristic of well-fermented Puerh tea.
- Mellowness: The tea is mellow, lacking harshness or bitterness, making it easy to drink.
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Aroma and Taste:
- Natural Tea Flavor: The fermentation process enhances the natural tea flavors, giving it a rich and complex profile.
- Lingering Flavor: After drinking, the flavor lingers in the mouth, extending the enjoyment of the tea.
Storage:
- The tea has been stored naturally in Guangzhou, which contributes to its aging process and flavor development. Natural storage conditions in Guangzhou typically involve high humidity and stable temperatures, which are ideal for Puerh tea maturation.
Variation:
- There are slight variations in taste each year due to differences in material quality and the natural evolution of the tea as it ages. However, the main characteristics, such as smoothness, thickness, and mellow flavor, remain consistent.
The 2016 ChenShengHao "Hou" tea cake is a good example of high-quality Puerh Ripe Tea, offering a rich, smooth, and mellow experience with a lingering aftertaste, making it a prized addition for Puerh tea enthusiasts.