Revisiting this one after some years. Lets see how my old review stacks up now that I am better versed in gong fu.
I’m sad I will not be able to buy “Road Tea” again as it is not offered by Jing Long in 2023. Then again, it’s probably similar to their other ripe Pu-erh offerings. This is a chocolate bar shaped bing.
The nose after rinsed is a golden malt, maybe barley? but very sweet.
2 washes
1st Infusion: 30 seconds
Rich and malty body on the nose once brewed, nice deep brown-gold liquor. Very smooth on the tongue with a pleasant black tea heft and mouthfeel. Perhaps I expected more body but I can always kick up the infusion time. The sweetness is more a smell than taste, but it really adds to the experience with an empty cup to the nose. Just a good tea, not great but definitely solid. Very mild tannins or astringency.
2nd Infusion: 45 Seconds
Similar to the first infusion, with a little more bready sweetness on the body/finish. This is a straight black tea but offers a pleasant experience.
3rd Infusion: 60 Seconds
I shared this pour with a coworker/friend. The experience was the same albeit with a bit more clarity in the water.
4th Infusion: 120 Seconds
Doubling the infusion time added some body back but also brought an astringency to the throat along the way. I would probably leave this one at 4 infusions and top out around 75-90 seconds on the brew.
