2020 Dayi Laochatou: It do be shou. Nothing interesting, nothing offensive. Clean soil. This is the first time I’ve had the thought that I am getting leftovers, and all the little magical microbes took the good stuff.
2010 Dayi Laochatou (Taiwan stored): Slightly brighter and more tannic, like a shou/pekoe mashup. Deep amber to weak coffee color. I enjoy this more than the 2020. Maybe wouldn’t pick it out unless I was looking for something post-physical labor, though… an uncomplicated refresher.
2006 Dayi Laochatou (first year): Okay, now this one has a liiiittle sweetness underpinning the soil and tiny tannins. Interesting. Would it taste sweet if I wasn’t comparing side-by-side? Not sure; I don’t think so. Later steeps I’m getting some of that edgy paper flavor that bothers me. Maybe a touch of mineral/metal and bitter cocoa.
Interesting vertical to explore.