2016 Yunnan Sourcing "Huang Shan Gu Shu" Old Arbor Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake

Like I mentioned in my note for the 2015 vintage, Huang Shan Gu Shu is a tea whose qualities are not necessarily apparent at first sight. The interlayered bitterness and sweetness express themselves over the course of the whole session. The consistently pure taste and interesting mouthfeel that doesn’t fade after the peak infusion can only be properly appreciated in hindsight. On top of that, among of the main selling points of the tea are its long-lasting and evolving aftertaste as well as the creeping and relaxing cha qi.

The taste is very clean and pungent with a nutty, mineral, and buttery character. In the aftertaste, one can find more floral aspects as well. I am looking forward to tasting the 2015 and 2016 versions side-by-side, I can’t identify any major differences through individual sessions (though significantly separated in time).

Very interesting young puerh, really enjoyed this one. Purchased a 25g sample from YS, reviewing after two sessions.

Appearance: Very attractive green/white/brown contrasting colors in the broken off cake. Fairly large leaves, individual pieces break off relatively intact.

Dry Aroma – Mild sweetness, something reminiscent of milk chocolate, but not exactly. Interesting.

Wet aroma – Sweet plum, moss, early morning dew

Taste – develops from unripe fruit and mild astringency in earlier steepings, more astringency in middle steepings, orange creamsicle emerged later on… really wild. Final infusion had an interesting balance of astringency and vanilla. Didn’t expect that.

Overall – really enjoyed this tea. Nowhere near as aggressive or medicinal as some other young sheng I’ve had. It’s all good, but nice to experience the other end of the spectrum.