Instead of yixing pot this time I used a simple celadon-glazed gaiwan so that the tea has more space and can express its fragrance better, and also because this puer is rather on the younger side, in which case I seldom use pots.
Short infusions first about 3-4 sec, later 5-10. Temperature rises from 85 to 90.
3-4 sec: there’s a remarkable — rather unique when talking about puers — fiery scent that almost hits me right after infusing the leaves. It also appears in the taste, and remains through the first 4-5infusions. Besides this fiery aroma, the tea is quite smooth, and deep. Despite the two, hardly compatible features, the tea is well-balanced, and has a beautiful calmed ambiance.
Let’s see what lies beyond the taste. In the first infusion I was mainly occupied by this fascinating ember flavour, but when I moved on to the second one I noticed a major heating effect. Looking out the window to the cool, rain-soaked city I knew it’s the very best tea for the moment. This strong warmness protects from catching cool and gives a cosy feeling. A deep elated chaqi appears as well, and flows through slowly in the whole body.
Later — from around the 4th infusion (5-8 sec) — the tea gets smoother.
As the fiery notes fade, the tea’s main structure appears. Deep, milder ‘puerish’ taste with a lightsome woody (still bit smoky) scent.
7/6
All in all it’s a great, unique puer that I definitely do recommend!
https://zhaozhoutea.com/product/lincang-ember-puer-2015-no-825/
Flavors: Fireplace, Smoke, Smoked, Whiskey
