Having this bing since the start of my pu-erh journey in 2016, this sheng took me at my hand and showed me how a maturation in a rather arid surrounding can be. I had highs and lows with this one as the time in between the green notes left and mature aroma taking over, it wasn’t a really appealing tea. Half a year ago I thought this tea not just mellowed out but got flat and stale. Even though nothing really pungent is left my visit today was pleasing.
With a rather loose pressing this bing comes apart easily and offers beautiful dry leaves. After 15 sec. of washing with boiling water I started the session with ~8g and 90° C.
There is a fine balance in the bittersweet taste with the dark and warming aroma of a semiaged Sheng. Tobacco with a little smoke is the main component now I would say. The bitterness is vegetal (aubergine). Some ripe stonefruit (plums) and even pudding round this tea out. Later on the astringency dries my mouth a bit, but not as strongly anymore. A little cooling menthol I could pick up in the aftertaste.
I am grateful for this journey, even though the end is nigh with and our ways will part soon. Pu-Erh is a nice hobby sometimes pushes me into running my miles faster and sometimes calm me down in the midst of a stressful work day. This YS Impression 2012 is rather calming and focusing for me. I would love to read some revisits from other owners of this tea!
Flavors: Menthol, Plum, Smoke, Stonefruit, Tobacco
