Zheng Si Long 2015 Wa Long

I received a bunch of Tea Encounter (And Zheng Si Long) samples from a freind of mine in a tea swap that I have been trying out over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, my most favourite one of those (the 2018 Xiang Chun Lin) is sold out at the moment. However, I also really enjoyed this Wa Long.

It is quite nutty, mineral and bitter overall. The pungency translates to a strong huigan and an elevating, mind clearing cha qi as well. On top, I liked the syrupy mouthfeel that is so characteristic for teas from this area. The aromatics of the tea were fairly weak, but one doesn’t usually drink these teas for their aroma anyway.

In particular, the wet leaf scent reminds me of forest, spring water, musk, fir, star anise, as well as vomit on one occasion. In the empty cup, I can further detect a cinnamon aroma.

The taste is mineral with a strong woody bitterness from the get go. There is a nutty and cooling aftertaste to it too. Second infusion is spicy and a bit sour with a good astringency and bite.

Infusions 3 and 4 are really quite thick, full bodied and nutty with a lot of substance. Notes of roast beef, bread crust, tree bark emerge. Fifth steep has a decent honey sweetness that stays for the remainder of the session as well.

Tea Encounter is having a sale right now, 10% off most of their pu’er selection.

It’s a pretty standard Yiwu-region/Manzhuan honeyed affair. It matches very well Tea Encounter’s description. Syrupy and spicy, fairly thick and smooth.

Strong floral overtones in the aroma leave their presence in the taste and as a retronasal bitter-flowery finish. First steeps swallow pleasantly with plummy wood beneath and produce some mouth-watering. Sweet but not too sweet.

The bitterness is pretty well integrated and what doesn’t disappear quickly lingers on the top back of the palate, mixing well with a pure dark honey aftertaste. Moderate menthol cooling felt in chest arrives in hand with a mellow energy.

Nothing stands out but I’d say its smooth character is this tea’s anchor. Good – and solid – but not my preference. I think this would be a great step up for those newer to sheng and those looking for a strong floral presence.