Due to the small size of both the tuo and the leaf particles, this tea has aged much more than an unbroken one would. The young edge is mostly gone by now. Because of the small particle size though, you have to be careful with the steeping times and reduce them accordingly. If you do so, you can get a flavourful and medium bodied tea with controlled levels of bitterness and astringency.
I found this tea to have quite an interesting and unuaual smell for a sheng. It especially reminds me of molasses and cooked milk, but I also get some black pepper and thyme notes. The mouthfeel is also somewhat milky and powdery.
The overall taste profile is on the sweet and bitter side of the spectrum. Nothing exceptional, but a good body with balanced taste combined with the price means this is a great sheng for everyday drinking. Suitable for work as well, because the cha qi is not too strong. I was also pleasantly surprised by the prolonged and enjoyable aftertaste that is somewhat spicy.
1 tuo gives me about 10 (~100ml) infusions and that’s without really pushing it.
Flavors: Bitter, Black Pepper, Milk, Molasses, Spicy, Sweet, Thyme
