Not really sure where I stand with this one yet. It’s like a tamed mix of the two most recent sheng I’ve had, both from Menghai but with different qualities. This one had a mellowness in delivery compared to the other two. Is this autumn leaf material?
The dry/warm/rinsed leaf aroma was sweet and syrupy medicinal, with plum, tobacco, autumn leaf and a bitter tone. The taste remained relatively unchanging and lacked some high notes. Short steeps in the beginning started off brothy, alkaline and leafy then moved into medicinal with a buttery quality. Bitterness and astringency were moderate and there was a noticeable but not strong returning sweetness. In the first several steeps, the liquor aroma and bottom of the cup also smelled quite medicinal. The tastes moved into a good brassiness, wood, leaf and dry grass and followed through into the end of the session. Seemed to have decent longevity, though I wasn’t keeping track. I experienced a calm and slow-moving energy that at one point had me wanting to lie down but I got sidetracked. I was able to fall asleep easily once I did go to bed.
This tea didn’t pack quite the punch I was expecting and didn’t leave a strong impression but I can appreciate that. Does seem pricey for what it is. I’ll have to revisit in a few more months.
Preparation
Comments
I often find that after I drink tea (ones that should make you “alert” like blacks or greens) I instead am out for the count and have the best naps. I sometimes feel like such a weirdo for that…
I bought a cake of this tea because it was a big powerhouse immediately after being pressed. A month later and meh….2 years later and really meh. This one I expect to be sleeping in the crock for quite some time…
I often find that after I drink tea (ones that should make you “alert” like blacks or greens) I instead am out for the count and have the best naps. I sometimes feel like such a weirdo for that…
I bought a cake of this tea because it was a big powerhouse immediately after being pressed. A month later and meh….2 years later and really meh. This one I expect to be sleeping in the crock for quite some time…
I’ll be doing the same with mine, though it’s only a sample.