2021 Yunnan Sourcing "Guang Bie Lao Zhai" Old Arbor Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake

Gongfu Sipdown (1587)!

Sipped down this sample from Togo while nibbling on some white strawberries!! In terms of taste this Old Arbor sheng isn’t particularly up my alley. While there was some softness to early steeps with sweeter notes of ice wine and yuzu it did quickly become somewhat abrasive as the leaves opened up more fully and now the session is filled with notes of bitter green and herbs, very dry gin, prunes, leather, black pepper, and pithy lemon rinds. However, with that said, the huigan is rich with a coating sweetness across the palate that tempts subsequent infusions, and the energy is quite good. I can see why Togo seems to have enjoyed this puer & I definitely appreciate the share; but I don’t think I will seek this one out once my session wraps.

Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CYE89u9OI_d/

Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zf3JInzYH4&ab_channel=PhilipLabes

This is one of my favourite shengs from YS, I wish it wasn’t as expensive. Although, as compared with neighboring Bu Lang villages, this goes for a reasonable price actually. It has an amazing texture that is thick, super oily and quite numbing. When pushed, it does get quite bitter. However, the bitterness quickly transforms into sourness even before the huigan arrives. As Scott mentions in the description, the longevity is really good too.

The aroma emerging from the teapot reminds me of fresh leather and thistles. The rinse is sweet and a little biting with an umami presence and a bay leaf note. The next one is more bitter. It has flavours of rapeseed, chestnut, and honey, as well as a lemony aftertaste.

Subsequently, there is a herbaceous quality to the tea that complements the reliable bitterness. I noticed further hints of sandstone, white grapes, musk, and gin. The aftertaste is generally nutty and floral with a light citrusy fragrance and sweetness. It carries some additional associations like sunflower seeds, green apples, and walnuts.