The leaves are a blend of brown, dark brown and red with some golden tips and stems/sticks present. It looks like a Shou/Ripe Puerh but that’s due to this being over 10 years old. I also want to note that the leaves look nice and full for the most part. Scent is earthy and wooden with some smoke, hay and bitter flowers.
Steeping Method: Yixing Teapot 100ml
Leaf: 7g
Water: Boiling
Pre rinse – This was rinsed twice for 20 seconds each time
First Steep – 30 seconds
Colour is orange with a light yet musty scent. Flavour is sweet and leathery with some astringency. Also some damp wood and light smoke tones.
Second Steep – 40 seconds
Less bitter than the first steep though it is still present. The mature flavours have settled down a little too and have blended better. The must and damp wood are still the dominant notes though more equal in this steep. Also getting a buttery note in the after taste.
Third Steep – 45 seconds
Tasting soft leather, toasted hay, smoke, must and dry perfume. Nothing too heavy but lingering for a long time in the after taste. The bitterness/astringency is present though rather pleasant.
Fourth Steep – 55 seconds
The bitterness has increased as has the smoke, which gives it tobacco and earthy notes. Also strong peony and dry wood notes.
Fifth Steep – 1 minute
Lighter than the previous steep though remains smoky, buttery and with dry peony notes. Bitterness is at a pleasant level again. Wonderful buttery aftertaste that lingers.
Sixth Steep – 1 minute 20 seconds
My favourite steep so far. Everything is reduced including the bitterness, and the peony and butter dominate and linger. A little dry.
Seventh Steep – 2 minutes
Another lovely steep though toned down from it’s mature beginnings. Lighter than the first steep at this point though still boasting butter, peony and wood flavours. Plus no bitterness.
Eighth Steep – 3 minutes
Very little remains though the buttery finish is uncomplicated, lasting and a wonderful end to this tea.
This was a wonderful mature Sheng, with an array of flavours such as:wood, tobacco, butter, peony, smoke and earth. It’s full bodied without being too dark, so while it may be mature in flavour it still has a Sheng appeal.
Flavors: Butter, Drying, Earth, Flowers, Musty, Wood
