Video: unwrapping and breaking down the cake
Here is "7542" from DaYi, a 2021 sheng (raw) puerh in a 357g cake.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2021 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · grade 4 leaf · Menghai Tea Factory · 1st batch
- Compression & dry leaf: The leaf is compressed into a 357g cake. The dry leaf shows grade 4 leaf and visible buds.
- Liquor: The liquor is golden yellow, as is usual for young sheng.
- Taste: Through the middle infusions it shows a fruity character over a sweet base. Each round shows a slightly different side of it.
- Mouthfeel & body: Expect a full-bodied mouthfeel.
- Aftertaste: Swallow and you notice a returning sweetness (hui gan).
- Best for: everyday drinking: an uncomplicated cup that those new to puerh can brew with confidence.
Brewing Guide
- Water: fully boiling, 100°C (212°F).
- How to brew:
- Add around 5g of tea for every 100ml.
- Give the leaves one quick rinse — cover with boiling water for about 5 seconds and discard. Then put the lid on and leave the leaves to open up for about 10 minutes.
- Start with 10–15 second steeps, lengthening by about 5 seconds each round.
- Pour the liquor into a sharing pitcher.
- Serve and resteep — sheng puerh goes many rounds.
- Think of this as a starting point rather than a rigid method. Try pouring high or low, fast or slow, and adapt to the season until it suits you. Brewing one tea at its best in any year, season, weather or place is a skill built over time — and that is the real goal.
Storage
Keep it in a ventilated, cool, dry spot, shielded from sunlight and strong odors (cooking spices, cigarette smoke). If you plan to age it long-term, paper or clay containers breathe better than airtight plastic.
A Note on Appearance
Not all cakes develop these — the chances simply rise with longer storage.
- Small dark specks: naturally stored puerh can develop tiny dark specks on its wrapper or edges. They are harmless and brush off easily before brewing.
- Tea oil spots: yellowish spotting can occur from natural tea oils. This is not a flaw.
- Torn wrapper: minor tears or holes in the cotton wrapper sometimes happen in storage and transit. The tea itself is unaffected.
