This tea uses old-tree (gu shu) leaf from Yi Wu. The area has a reputation for a smooth, resilient body, low bitterness and astringency, and a slow, lingering sweetness that ages well. Old-tree (gu shu) leaf is what sets the "Yi Wu Gu Shu" apart: it typically brews thicker and lasts longer than plantation leaf. Still young, Yi Wu sheng like this usually shows its character plainly. "Yi Wu Gu Shu" (Yi Wu - Old Tree) is KingTeaMall Spring's 2021 sheng (raw) puerh, sold here as a 200g cake.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2021 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 200g cake · KingTeaMall
- Compression & dry leaf: It is pressed into a 200g cake.
- Liquor: Expect a clear, bright liquor, golden yellow, as is usual for young sheng.
- Taste: The first steeps are soft, with only a light bitterness and slight astringency. Once the leaf opens up, expect floral notes with a touch of honey in a sweet and balanced cup.
- Mouthfeel & body: The texture is soft.
- Aftertaste: After each sip there is a strong hui gan, plenty of salivation and a long finish.
- 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: rolling boil, 100°C (212°F).
- Rinse teaware with hot water; use roughly 5g of tea for each 100ml of vessel.
- Give the leaves one quick rinse, then cover and rest about 10 minutes to wake them up.
- Begin with 10–15 second steeps, lengthening each by about 5 seconds.
- Decant fully into a sharing pitcher each time.
- Enjoy — good sheng keeps giving for many infusions.
Use this as a starting point, not a fixed formula. Play with pour height and speed, and notice how the tea answers in different weather and seasons. Learning to brew one tea well anywhere, anytime is the real craft.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place with gentle airflow, out of direct light and away from strong smells such as cooking spices or smoke. If you plan to age it for years, breathable paper or clay storage suits puerh better than airtight plastic.
A Note on Appearance
Not every cake shows these, but they can occur, especially in teas with more years of storage.
- Small dark specks: tiny dark specks may appear on the wrapper or tea edges of naturally stored puerh. They are harmless and can be brushed off before brewing.
- 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.
