Thank you Esgreen for the free sample!
Leaf Quality:
The leaves of this raw pu-erh smelled a bit mushroomy or fungal, and a bit earthy. Every leaf had downy white hairs on them. The leaves were green, white, yellow, brown, and others were black. The rinsed leaves smelled earthy, fungal, vegetal and smokey. Once brewed, they smelled more fungal and woody.
Brewed Tea:
The brewed tea smelled smokey, mossy, and had a light earthiness. The light yellow-green brew tasted floral, of mushrooms, and was mossy. I was very pleased with the first brew.
Second Steeping
This brew was much more floral than the first, and exhibited less mushroom notes. However, it was just as woody and mossy as the first. Each sip had a slight earthy finish.
Third Steeping
This brew was smokey, floral, and a little spicy. This cup tasted more like an aged pu-erh. Mild earthy notes crept into the last sip.
Fourth Steeping
I really liked this steeping. It was extra floral and sweet. A tiny bitter nut flavor followed. The fungal notes had gone.
Fifth Steeping
The steeps were still holding strong. It reminded me of the third steeping. Smokey, lightly floral, and a bit earthy.
Thanks again for the tea sample!
Comments
You’re the sheng lover. I’ve noticed that. You have to be slow and patient with shengs and really pay attention. Sometimes I’m too impatient.
There’s just a different taste about Sheng pu-erh’s that I like. The aged shengs taste different than many of the shou pu-erh’s. What I really liked about this was that it had surprisingly floral qualities. And that’s a very good observation of me as it’s true! However I do enjoy a nice ripe pu-erh.
The more experience you have with shengs or shu’s, the more detail you notice. I’m walking through the shu forest’s now and spending my time there. That’s how I think of it. A nice bit of shu puerh has come my way so I’m learning all I can.
You’re the sheng lover. I’ve noticed that. You have to be slow and patient with shengs and really pay attention. Sometimes I’m too impatient.
There’s just a different taste about Sheng pu-erh’s that I like. The aged shengs taste different than many of the shou pu-erh’s. What I really liked about this was that it had surprisingly floral qualities. And that’s a very good observation of me as it’s true! However I do enjoy a nice ripe pu-erh.
The more experience you have with shengs or shu’s, the more detail you notice. I’m walking through the shu forest’s now and spending my time there. That’s how I think of it. A nice bit of shu puerh has come my way so I’m learning all I can.
I like the way “Shu Forest” sounds; it captures the mystery and new adventure of tasting pu-erh.