32 Tasting Notes

75

Had this one in my gaiwan and it didn’t disappoint as this is my first try of this tea in a very long time. Sweet astringency accompanied by a soft bitter aftertaste prevails after each sip.

Strong mouthfeel with a medium qi makes this tea a pleasant drink. It’s easy to drink and reminds me of some of the first Chinese green teas I have tried so many years ago.

Very consistent from steep-to-steep. The astringency falls off after about the 5th steep and leaves the sweetness and slight bitter after taste to satisfy the drinker. The liquor gets thicker in later infusions as this tea becomes a very drinkable treat.

The taste becomes a woody and leafy combination.

As far as the energy level of this tea goes; I got a wave of heat in the first steep or two, but after that there is little sign of increased energy which is probably the only downfall for this tea (due to the fact that I enjoy drinking tea that can fuel rockets).

Preparation
Boiling

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A very fine aged tea. There is a consistent mouthfeel that persists well after my cup is empty. The energy overflows steep after steep, my head races back and forth as my body cools to a soft chill.

The main taste of this tea is somewhere in the middle of astringency and bitter, but not either one more than the other. Grass, mild smoke, tobacco flavors stand out to me as the dominant flavors. It almost tastes like a burnt flower would, a little charred but full of beauty and underlying fruitiness.

This is stronger tea in almost every facet of it. The liquor is browner than most teas this age. The thick liquor leads for a superb mouth buzzing effect. Lastly, the feeling behind the tea is an energetic and clear headed one.

Preparation
Boiling

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84
drank 2015 Poundcake by white2tea
32 tasting notes

Great tea. Filled my gaiwan with this and steeped it throughout the day. Energy energy energy. I feel reinvigorated after each cup. The mouthfeel is as aggressive as the energy.

Flavors are in sync with each other, making this tea very well-rounded. The aftertaste is powerful and sweet. The floral and astringent tastes come through with each sip, also accompanied by a mellow bitterness.

Not harsh on the stomach, but it becomes alive after it has been drunk.
Great tea through and through

Preparation
Boiling

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77

Starts off very mild in taste, but in energy it increases after the first steep. Pleasant bitterness and light sweetness underly the thick liquor. There is a strong mouthfeel and an interesting aftertaste of sweetgrass.

I really enjoy steeping this tea out all day, opposed to all in one session, that way the qi isn’t as overpowering. Light flavors, but lots of energy and mouthfeel.

Preparation
Boiling

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Smooth. This tea is very easy to drink, the modest floral scent leads for a sweet finish. No astringency until the 5th or 6th steep and very little bitterness (if any at all). This tea has good character, but lacks in depth.

tea123

I’m interested to know what you mean by ‘has good character, but lacks in depth’.

kevdog19

Strong floral and sweet flavors for about the first 5 steeps then it falls off rather quickly. Like many yiwu teas, I find that they are a tasty treat but don’t have much mouthfeel or qi to satisfy my sheng cravings. Just my personal opinion, I’m not the biggest fan of tea from this region I guess. Still an enjoyable semi aged taste.

tea123

I see. Thanks for that.

AmnesTea

Hi Kevdog, I’m looking at buying some older Shengs, and YS’s Banna/ Guangdong aged cakes seem a good bet because of the faster maturation. I’m surpirsed they’re so cheap, and wonder if that reflects quality.
I guess specific Terrior/ tippy/ Arbor/ Wild are labels which justify why many YS 2016 Beengs cost more than this 10yr old, but i would have thought the benefits of being middle aged would be more reflected in the price?
Would you recommend the YS guangdong stored range? Or where else would you get affordable older sheng? (i’m in the UK)

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70

Flash brewing shows a somewhat dark liquor after the first rinse. Pleasant astringency is accompanied by hints of woodiness, mustiness, and mild fruitiness. Turns into a smooth drink through and through. Very relaxing tea which would be a great everyday selection. A very average tea

Preparation
Boiling

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tried in my yixing… tastes were strong and mixed, couldn’t find any positive attributes, barely drinkable. Not for me.

Preparation
Boiling 0 min, 15 sec
tea123

I’d be interested to hear more about this tea. Lately I’ve realised my tastes have changed with regards to tea and I look back on some of my more negative reviews and wonder why I didn’t like them.

kevdog19

I only slightly remember this one. My feelings describe a tea in transition and that may be the only reason I found to dislike this session. The tea was out of sync is the best I can put it.

tea123

Interesting. I’m thinking of a clay taste.

kevdog19

Yes I think thats a good foundation for what I am trying to explain. I have a 2012 ye sheng purple brick that I get similar vibes from, let it sit for another year before re-examining haha

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70

Medium energy with a growing astringency steep after steep. This tea is lightly bitter and tastes a lot like fresh hay. Taste isn’t very strong, but the taste is pungent as is the mouthfeel strong. Stuck in between recomending it and trying it again.

Preparation
Boiling

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80

This tea makes you want more after every sip. The thick mouthfeel and soft bitterness creep around the mouth and over the tongue. Earthy tones and rich soil expand ever pleasant. After just 2 steeps there’s a rush of energy that picks you up and takes you away.

Preparation
Boiling
tea123

I like a bit of rich soil. It’s the flat soil that I don’t like.

kevdog19

Haha yes me too. Really enjoyed this tea, has a lot of great traits.

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75

Deep mustiness with a touch of fruitiness on the after taste. Earthy tones covered in smokiness.

Preparation
Boiling

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I like sheng cha. It’s good. I’m not.

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