Origin: The Bulang Tea Region, known for its rich, ancient tea trees and unique terroir, provides the leaves for this exceptional raw Puerh.
Appearance: This tea, aged since 2006, features a dark, compressed cake with a slight sheen, indicative of its careful storage and maturation. Upon closer inspection, one can find leaves that have matured gracefully, showcasing a mix of darker browns with specks of golden tips, hinting at the quality of the material.
Aroma: The dry leaves emit a deep, earthy fragrance with undertones of camphor and hints of aged wood. Once the tea is steeped, it unfolds into a bouquet of scents - forest floor, hints of dried apricot, and a pronounced medicinal note characteristic of well-aged Sheng Puerh.
Taste: When brewed, this tea delivers a complex flavor profile:
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Initial Sip: A robust bitterness quickly transitions into a sweet aftertaste, showcasing the tea's maturity.
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Mid-Palate: The liquor is full-bodied, with layers of herbal notes, a touch of astringency that cleanses the palate, and a subtle fruity undertone that surprises.
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Finish: A lingering sweetness with a slight cooling sensation, indicative of the huigan (returning sweetness) for which Bulang teas are renowned. The mouthfeel is smooth yet lively, with a slight thickness that coats the tongue.
Liquor: The tea brews into a bright, amber-orange liquor, clear and inviting. With each infusion, the depth of color might change, gradually lightening as the sweeter, more aromatic notes become more prominent.
Mouthfeel: The tea provides a balanced thickness which evolves with each steeping, offering a journey from a more pronounced bitterness to a mellow sweetness, all while maintaining a lively texture that stimulates the palate.
Overall Experience: This 2006 ChangTai "Tian Xia Tong An - Long - Bu Lang" is not just tea; it's an experience. It encapsulates the rugged spirit of the Bulang mountains, offering a taste that's both grounding and uplifting. The cha qi (tea energy) of this Sheng Puerh is potent, providing a calming yet energizing sensation, perfect for meditative reflection or deep conversations. This tea invites one to appreciate the depth of time and the craftsmanship of the region, making every cup a dive into the rich tapestry of Puerh culture.
Best Enjoyed: Ideally, this tea should be savored slowly, allowing each infusion to reveal more about its character. It can be enjoyed in the morning to kickstart the day with its vibrant energy or in the evening for a thoughtful, lingering session.
Stored under Guangzhou's natural conditions, this tea has been carefully preserved, ensuring that its quality and essence are maintained at their peak.
As part of an exclusive series, this tea stands alongside four other distinguished varieties: the Dragon (Long), Phoenix (Feng), Kirin (Qi Lin), and Lion (Shi). Each variety in this series is a testament to the artistry and expertise of Changtai Tea Factory, and a detailed introduction to each will be available, underscoring the commitment to providing authentic and comprehensive tea knowledge to enthusiasts.