Master Han has partnered with Master Zhou, another founding member of the Zhenyuan Dongsa Farmer’s Cooperative, to produce this beautiful new sheng. Master Han’s goal is always to bring out the rich, complex and unique character of his wild forests in every cake he crafts. This is no exception- you can taste the wild herbs and evergreen trees of the mountains from the first sip.

The aroma is slightly musty with daffodil, oregano and honey overtones. These unfold into a fresh sage flavor with the crisp tart notes of fresh juniper berries in the first steepings.

Eucalyptus bark and mineral notes dominate the aftertaste as this tea unfolds into brighter lemon verbena notes. As the leaves are fully opened, they reveal a dark nutmeg and peppercorn flavor, and the aromatics of a ginger, lemongrass and coriander broth.

Throughout steeping, this young sheng pu’er shows no signs of dry notes, promising great aging potential as the deep spices and hints of mustiness develop over the years. Previous years’ pressings of this line of sheng pu’er have been rightly popular, and we are excited to see where this latest edition goes.

All the crisp edge and potency of sheng pu’er can only be truly enjoyed with short steep times, lots of leaf, a small brewing vessel and many infusions of the same tea. Brewing in a big pot blends all the flavors together and makes the flavor dull.

Start with freshly boiled filtered water or spring water. (Distilled water and reverse osmosis water are so flat they take flavor away from the tea). Use 5g of leaf in a 4-5oz vessel. A gaiwan or yixing pot devoted to sheng pu’er is best, but a small cup and brew basket works well too. Pour 208 degree water over the leaves and immediately discard. This is the rinse. Then steep for about 5 seconds. Add up to five seconds per steeping for a very potent brew, or keep the steeping time around five seconds through every infusion for a lighter brew. Enjoy at least 10 infusions.

DATE OF PICKING:
April 2014

LOCATION OF PICKING:
Qianjiazhai region of the Mount Ailao National Forest Preserve, Yunnan

WHAT WAS PICKED:
Wild-picked young leaves and buds

QUANTITY ACQUIRED:
We acquired 20 cakes

SOURCING AGENT:
Master Han, created in partnership with the Zhenyuan Dongsa Farmers’ Cooperative

swishyhair Send Message

Profile

Bio

Moderator Tools