SOTD- sheng of the day

[ouch]

Back to business-

'05 Xiaguan Ancient Wild Tree

Yet another tea too smoky for Mrs. Ouch. Thank you god! :tongue_sm
This one may not be old, but it's already quite mellow, and delicious, to boot.

And a few new ones wandered in, along with a pic of one of my "happy drawers".
Clockwise, from top left:
'08 Menghai Peacock of Menghai
'08 Xiaguan Golden 8100
'08 Xiaguan FT Exquisite Excrement Elegance. Extra credit if you noticed the incorrect box.
'08 Xiaguan FT Imperial Tribute

[Hobbesoxon]

Niiiiiice stacks, man!
(Read in the voice of Ren, of Ren and Stimpy.)

[joyfulwoogie]

Had to share. Being a newbie I have been feeling some magnetism toward Pu but up until now have not been able to get my brewing parameters right. Yesterday, at work, I hit my stride on the '08 FT mushroom. All at once I revisited a warm Autumn morning, years ago. Deep forest, crackling campfire, sun streaking through treetops and landing on thick carpet of gold leaves still damp from a hard rain the previous day. Truly wonderful.
Up until now only music has been able to create powerful moods and images for me. Now there are two things. Probably sounds dopey. Don't care. I am very happy.

p.s. Thank you guys for maintaining this thread. It has been really valuable for me as a guide to where to look and what to look for.

Welcome!

Nice tea notes and descriptions. Look forward to reading more of your notes. I thoroughly enjoyed your comparison of the tea sessions with music. Made me think a bit. Very poetic.

[joyfulwoogie]

Welcome aboard, and enjoy your stay at B&B.

Try drinking that while listening to music. The mushroom is a winner.

Am I the only one who laughed out loud?

[joyfulwoogie]

Deciding on a tea is becoming more difficult every day. I just realized that I have well over thirty opened cakes, in addition to cakes, bricks, and tuos that I'm not even thinking about opening for years.

How did this happen so fast? And where's the damned mailman?:lol:

That's sweet. you must be quite happy heading to sleep thinking about what tea to brew. I think thinking about which one to brew is immensely exciting.

I used to have chunks of samples at hand but now I just keep them unbroken from the cakes/bricks/tuos. The ritual of taking apart the tea in the morning is a great way to start the day.

By the way, Ouch, you must have quite a load of puerh sitting in your storage.

[ouch]

Niiiiiice stacks, man!
(Read in the voice of Ren, of Ren and Stimpy.)

If I had your tea, I'd burn mine. I'll admit to having one of the best smelling sets of sharpening stones, as you can see. :tongue_sm


By the way, Ouch, you must have quite a load of puerh sitting in your storage.

Who, me? Heck, I'm just getting started. :w00t:

[Yossarian]

Am I the only one who laughed out loud?

nope. I did too!

[ouch]

I'm still trying to figure out how to drink tea while shaving.

[Yossarian]

I'm still trying to figure out how to drink tea while shaving.

I've named my razor "shine-ola".

[netsurfr]

Well, at least I hope you received my payment. :lol:

And a big thanks for the generous (but unnecessary) bonus!

This was a particularly nice score.

I received your payment just fine. Glad you are enjoying the tea and the little bonus.


Niiiiiice stacks, man!
(Read in the voice of Ren, of Ren and Stimpy.)

Are you saying that Ouch is stacked? Little American humor... ... ...


Am I the only one who laughed out loud?

Nope, I had to chuckle too!


I'm still trying to figure out how to drink tea while shaving.

I am thinking about going with the IV while shaving. Wonder what kind of Cha Qi you get while mainlining pu-erh tea...

[P_K]

I started this last night but only got 2 brews into it. It seemed well balanced....perhaps too well balanced? Restarted this morning - again seemed solid and balanced but....ho hum. Then it happened....the sweetness. The kind that usually comes in after the tea is spent but in this case the full complexity was still there. This made for a delightfully complete tea experience. Haven't felt this much energy in a pu for quite some time either. I have to say this is the best of the Xiaguan puerhs out of the seven that I tried.

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan FT Exquisite Elegance

I started this last night but only got 2 brews into it. It seemed well balanced....perhaps too well balanced? Restarted this morning - again seemed solid and balanced but....ho hum. Then it happened....the sweetness. The kind that usually comes in after the tea is spent but in this case the full complexity was still there. This made for a delightfully complete tea experience. Haven't felt this much energy in a pu for quite some time either. I have to say this is the best of the Xiaguan puerhs out of the seven that I tried.

Can't wait to try this one. The notion of an upscale Baoyan brick may seem a tad oxymoronic, but why not? Even Xizhihao releases their vision of a 7542 and a 8582. If you like a blend, why not try one made from a higher grade of raw material?

And what a great example this post is of giving a tea time to bloom. What a shame if you had ended the session earlier!


'08 0622 (801)
90+ degrees, sun burning hotter than Scotto's hatred of his job, long bicycle ride to the park with the little nipper, and a thermos of sheng under what little shade I could find. Life is good.:tongue_sm

[netsurfr]

This is quite nice and at this time I think I like it a bit better than the 7542. I guess it is because of the smaller leaves. While this is very nice and may continue to be quite nice for the next five years or so, it may not have the aging potential of some of the cakes with larger leaves.

[thanks]

This is quite nice and at this time I think I like it a bit better than the 7542. I guess it is because of the smaller leaves. While this is very nice and may continue to be quite nice for the next five years or so, it may not have the aging potential of some of the cakes with larger leaves.

The 99 and 96 versions of this tea beg to differ :001_smile

Do yourself a favor and visit the 96 7532 "Green in Orange" supplied by Nada- you won't regret it.

[Hobbesoxon]

SotD: Exquisitie Elegance. Looking forward to it, given the enthusiasm I've read for it here!

It's Sunday, I'm beat after a 13-hour work day on Saturday, and face the same again today. Gragh! Who said being an academic was lightweight?!

I miss my bed.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[netsurfr]

The 99 and 96 versions of this tea beg to differ :001_smile

Do yourself a favor and visit the 96 7532 "Green in Orange" supplied by Nada- you won't regret it.

Great news because I am really enjoying even the young version. Going to have to visit Nada and try out the older 7532s!
Thanks, "Thanks."

[Scotto]

2007 Changtai 7538

This review will be delayed while I buy some more of this before you fiends dive in.

[netsurfr]

2007 Changtai 7538

This review will be delayed while I buy some more of this before you fiends dive in.

Fiends... and all of this time I thought he was calling us his friends!
Scotto, I think that you are being unnecessarily paranoid... perhaps appropriately paranoid, but... ... ...

[ouch]

2007 Changtai 7538

This review will be delayed while I buy some more of this before you fiends dive in.

Why don't you just use one of these and announce it to the rest of the world.:lol:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_YeVVfegW8Vc/R5G3l1nhs2I/AAAAAAAATPU/A9qD4BanCZo/100_1118.JPG


Fiends... and all of this time I thought he was calling us his friends!
Scotto, I think that you are being unnecessarily paranoid... perhaps appropriately paranoid, but... ... ...

Guess you missed what happened with the "Bulong" brick from "Douji" about six months ago. We cleaned out Puerh Shop in days. :lol:

[Scotto]

Two teas for you:

2007 Changtai 7538
I am a Changtai fanboy, no doubt, but this one just tickled me. So darn refreshing on a sweltering day yesterday. Clear, clean, mints and rock candy. One of the sweetest shengpu's I have come across, and one you just want to chug down gallons of. There is such a delightful clarity, sweetness, and citrus/creaminess in this one. Not a tea to brood over, but a simple, inexpensive pleasure.

2005 Changtai Chenhongchan
Everything the 7538 is not, in an unpleasant way. I admit I was already in an unpleasant mood after the hair I pulled out of my sample, but this is sour, gross dreck. I love it when the cheaper tea is better.

[ouch]

'07 Xizhihao longfeng

Figures- just as I'm starting to run out of this, I'm beginning to enjoy it more.

[Hobbesoxon]

'07 Xizhihao longfeng

Figures- just as I'm starting to run out of this, I'm beginning to enjoy it more.

Me like too.

[Hobbesoxon]

Oh dear - 16 cakes from Nada just arrived. If I'm not back by sunrise, send out the hounds.


I may be some time,

Hobbes

[ouch]

Oh dear - 16 cakes from Nada just arrived. If I'm not back by sunrise, send out the hounds.


I may be some time,

Hobbes

:w00t:

[arghblech]

A big box of group buy samples just landed here.

Thanks Steve!

[Aquanin]

A big box of group buy samples just landed here.

Thanks Steve!

Now your in trouble!! Soon you will say a HUGE box full of cakes just arrived!

[joyfulwoogie]

This is a pleasant tea to drink. I enjoyed its gentle chi.

I am not sure if it is my mind playing a game on my body but this tea has some noticeable body effects of making me want to stretch and do some chi'gong postures.

Sweet without much bitterness. No taste stands out too much. Just smooth, pleasant, and a bit bland but nevertheless worth having a cake. This tastes and feels clean and healthy. Definitely different from the big factory stuff.

It has gotten slightly darker compared to the late 07 December.


type the name of the tea wrong. Can't edit the title of the post. Sorry for the mistyped name of the tea. It's "YuanShiLin"

[joyfulwoogie]

This is quite nice and at this time I think I like it a bit better than the 7542. I guess it is because of the smaller leaves. While this is very nice and may continue to be quite nice for the next five years or so, it may not have the aging potential of some of the cakes with larger leaves.

I thought the difference between the 08 7532 and 08 7542 was somewhat comparable to the difference between XZH Yuanshilin and XZH Huangshanlin. Of course, Menghai and XZH are significantly different but the both of these tea producers had similar approach in their tea blending and processing. 07 was a year when many processing experimentations were done to sheng puerh.

One premium cake of 07 XZH equals to almost a tong and a half of 08 Mengha cakes... I think XZH is very good yet when it is compared to Menghai's tong and a half, I make a mental note to be very careful about buying an expensive cakes.

[ouch]

'08 Yongpinhao Yiwu Petticoat Zhengshan.

Very mild and nice.

[arghblech]

Extra smoky. Surprisingly little bitterness for the amount of breakage to the leaves. I don't know whether the factory chopped the s**t out of them or I screwed them up.

This tea went more than 12 infusions for me with the first 8 being under 30 seconds. That is a pretty rare occurrence in my world. I didn't find it all that complex but I'm still pretty new to this. I very much enjoyed this tea but it was almost too smoky... tasted like a campfire made with found wood. It wasn't a mesquite or hickory type of smokiness... piney. I think there may be depth here but I can't see it for all the smoke.

[Hobbesoxon]

Fwiends, Womans, Countwymen - lend me your rears. Today, the 2009 Nannuo cake from Nada Chayuan. Zesty. Floral. Plenty of punch. Superb.

I'm totally biased, but I like this cake. So clean and decent.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

2008 Hai Lang Hao LaoBanZhang and Man'E

It's three strikes and you're out with HLH and Scotto. Weird, bitter, floral, with an ass-kicking cha qi. Quickly becomes thin and gross after a few infusions - I was looking to wash my mouth out to get rid of the taste.

Goes to show you that people's tastes aren't the same. I'll save my $ for Xiaguan, Mengku, and Menghai.

[thanks]

Utterly hungover sipping on 08 XG Jincha. This stuff is great gents, good show all around on the incessant recommendations :lol:

[ouch]

2008 Hai Lang Hao LaoBanZhang and Man'E

It's three strikes and you're out with HLH and Scotto. Weird, bitter, floral, with an ass-kicking cha qi. Quickly becomes thin and gross after a few infusions - I was looking to wash my mouth out to get rid of the taste.

Goes to show you that people's tastes aren't the same. I'll save my $ for Xiaguan, Mengku, and Menghai.

On a brighter note, I just saved myself 56 bucks. :thumbup:
Of course, I'll promptly plop that down on four can't miss cakes.

'05 XG Cang Er tuo.
Once I realized that this wasn't going to be a blockbuster, I began to enjoy it much more. It lacks the punch of some of the FT productions, but it has its own charm. Not bad.

[P_K]

2008 Hai Lang Hao LaoBanZhang and Man'E

It's three strikes and you're out with HLH and Scotto. Weird, bitter, floral, with an ass-kicking cha qi. Quickly becomes thin and gross after a few infusions - I was looking to wash my mouth out to get rid of the taste.

Goes to show you that people's tastes aren't the same. I'll save my $ for Xiaguan, Mengku, and Menghai.

I've only had one session with this tea but I have to concur with the assessment. Strange flavors, no middle in this tea just a start and finish....and yes the cha qi is like a hammer out of the blue. Did I mention the bitterness?

[P_K]

There is an article in the new issue of The Leaf that talks about Lao Banzhang - http://the-leaf.org/

[Aquanin]

More 2009's - Check out the nei fei on this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Mengku-Highest-Essence-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-cake-400g_W0QQitemZ350196221295QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350196221295&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30

[ouch]

More 2009's - Check out the nei fei on this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Mengku-Highest-Essence-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-cake-400g_W0QQitemZ350196221295QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350196221295&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30

Now that's a big leaf.

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan 7653

Even Mrs. O. partook in a cup of this today, and for once didn't decry it as too smoky.

If all of the pu'er in the world were to disappear with the exception of Mengai and Xiaguan, I could get by quite nicely. The 7653 is a humble yet competent sheng, demonstrating that good old Big G/ White Crane/ Baoyan/ Horse's Patootie can compete with Menghai in delivering good, honest pu'er for a song. At $13, this one was a steal.

[Scotto]

2008 Dayi Wei Zui Yan

According to the puerhshop description, this translates as "most strong taste". I think they mistranslated the original "most boring taste", if you ask me.

Now I know why it was a free sample with my order....

[ouch]

2008 Dayi Wei Zui Yan

According to the puerhshop description, this translates as "most strong taste". I think they mistranslated the original "most boring taste", if you ask me.

Now I know why it was a free sample with my order....

Have you ever noticed that whenever Jim discounts a new item (the Wei Zui Yan dropped almost instantly from $19 to 16 and change), something's up? :001_rolle

From his description (and YS's, for the brief time it was on there) you'd think it was one of those monsters to be laid down for decades.

[Erik]

Have you ever noticed that whenever Jim discounts a new item (the Wei Zui Yan dropped almost instantly from $19 to 16 and change), something's up? :001_rolle

From his description (and YS's, for the brief time it was on there) you'd think it was one of those monsters to be laid down for decades.

The phase that bothered me was:

"The reviews for this cake from multiple tea forums in Chinese have been overall positive"

Does this mean that up to 49.9% of the forum posters hated it?

[ouch]

'08 Yongpinhao Yiwu Petticoat Zhengshan

Harumph. Not even a nibble. :bored:

[Salsero]

Harumph. Not even a nibble. :bored: I laughed heartily at it, but did not want to give away my age.

[joyfulwoogie]

I don't remember which Muyechun it is. I just have a small chunk.

Brewed Western style.

This tea is a hard tea to handle since it is very delicate to the brewing parameter. Very sweet and tasty when brewed right, sour bitter when overbrewed. There is even some mild thickness to the tea.

Overall, I just can't like Mengku leaves. They are too much like unfinished green hongcha. I rather drink the green hongcha cone Scott sells. By the way, these cones, specially the green ones, are excellent. They make sweet maple syrup tasting tea with nice thick texture.

I hope the Mengku teas age well. Being organic and all, perhaps they will age quicker. I cross my fingers that they don't turn out to be bad tasting red teas.

[ouch]

'06 CNNP 5961

If you were to only sample the newer, post 2000 CNNP's, you'd wonder why anyone would pay for the older ones.

[netsurfr]

Now your in trouble!! Soon you will say a HUGE box full of cakes just arrived!

Now, that's what I am talkin' about!

Drinking some 05 Xiaguan Cang Er Tuo this morning.

[Hobbesoxon]

2009 Nadachayuan "Yiwu" - it's been going for twenty-one infusions, and is still solid and sweet. Pure, clean - great stuff.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[arghblech]

Now, that's what I am talkin' about!

Drinking some 05 Xiaguan Cang Er Tuo this morning.

I tried this since someone else was drinking it this morning. I found it to be very bitter regardless of my infusion time. Admittedly, I've been drinking oolongs and shu for most of the last week so my sheng palate could be out of whack.

[netsurfr]

I tried this since someone else was drinking it this morning. I found it to be very bitter regardless of my infusion time. Admittedly, I've been drinking oolongs and shu for most of the last week so my sheng palate could be out of whack.

For me this is one of those teas that you have to use very small times for the first few infusions. Since my Yixing pot takes about 10 seconds to empty, for this tea, I just pour the hot water over the tea and begin emptying immediately for about a 10 second infusion time in the early infusions. Later infusions are increased appropriately.

[ouch]

Wow. My complaint was that the Cang Er wasn't strong enough. I didn't find it bitter, even when using enough leaf to register as "heavyhanded" on the Hobbes-Benny scale.

It's amazing how opinions can vary with this stuff.

[arghblech]

Wow. My complaint was that the Cang Er wasn't strong enough. I didn't find it bitter, even when using enough leaf to register as "heavyhanded" on the Hobbes-Benny scale.

It's amazing how opinions can vary with this stuff.

I found the bitterness made it very difficult to taste anything else. Normally I can peek around a flavor but not here. Another note, not that it will likely matter, my chunk was a solid piece of the place where the rounded top of the tuo meets the flattish bottom. I got the "corner".

Were the leaves in your cup chopped all to hell and back? Mine had no whole leaves or buds. Tons of small pieces of stem, though.

[netsurfr]

I am still gaining experience with the Cang Er tuo. Don't know enough to comment about any difference between the location on the tuo where a sample is taken. My leaves were chopped but not excessively so. If your leaves were excessively chopped, that could contribute to the bitterness. Interesting since the tea was from the same tuo from which you received a sample. This whole tea experience is so fascinating... so many variables.

[arghblech]

I want to be clear just in case. I'm not implying that my sample was flawed in any way. I am perfectly happy with it. :biggrin:

[netsurfr]

Argh -
I did not take anything you said personally. The Cang Er tuo is the first tuo that I have tried and I find the commentary interesting and enlightening. I do not remember where I gathered my sample from... in fact, it may have just been from the loose tea from my separation efforts. This is usually the case.
I appreciate the commentary by all as it guides the future Group Buy purchases.
Best regards,

[thanks]

I personally am very fond of the Canger tuo. I don't plan on buying any more than one, but it's definitely good. Tuo's take forever to age, so the one will suit me just fine.

[netsurfr]

2004 Hai Lang Hao Big Snow Mountain
This is my first go with this one.

[Hobbesoxon]

Wow. My complaint was that the Cang Er wasn't strong enough. I didn't find it bitter, even when using enough leaf to register as "heavyhanded" on the Hobbes-Benny scale.

Great scale :)

SotD: 2009 Nadachayuan "Yiwu" again - solid, clean, and fresh. Unadulterated old tree.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[netsurfr]

Ordered some teas from nadacha today. Finally decided resistance was futile...

[Hobbesoxon]

Ordered some teas from nadacha today. Finally decided resistance was futile...

Given the sheer number of months Nada spends trying to find good tea, or knocking around Yunnan trying to make good bingcha, I have to say I'm happy that he still manages to undercut other vendors. It's fortunate for the customers that he doesn't charge for his time. It's also very rare to be able to have such a guarantee of leaf authenticity. I dread to think how long I'd have to look, or how much I'd have to pay, to get 100% pure old tree from other brands / vendors, and even then you wouldn't have much in the way of certainty concerning the tea's real origins and quality.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

SotD: 2008 Xiaguan Yiming Jingren ("Instant Impression") - tasty, sweet, grain-like, leathery in later infusions. Very nice. Ends rough on the mouth and throat around the 8th or 9th infusion, but still has some good sweetness. An excellent Xiaguan.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

Great scale :)

I see you still occasionally glance at Tea Chat. :001_rolle


I've also taken some heat there for my mantra "a cake is a sample", so I've decided to rethink my position. My new stance:
A tong is a sample.

[Scotto]

I just noticed that the Changtai 7538 went up a dollar at puerhshop since my review. How annoying. Less than a month after first being sold also.

Not saying I had anything to do with it - just noticing.... Still a good deal at $14.99 a bing.

[P_K]

I just noticed that the Changtai 7538 went up a dollar at puerhshop since my review. How annoying. Less than a month after first being sold also.

Not saying I had anything to do with it - just noticing.... Still a good deal at $14.99 a bing.


I saw that too.......I looked at it and put it in my cart with a couple other things one night. Then had computer problems and didn't get back to it until the next day and it had gone up a dollar....lol! I started to get mad but then decided it is probably still well worth that. Plus...I wouldn't want to run a puerh business in the US.

[ouch]

I just noticed that the Changtai 7538 went up a dollar at puerhshop since my review. How annoying. Less than a month after first being sold also.

Not saying I had anything to do with it - just noticing.... Still a good deal at $14.99 a bing.

I spoke to Jim at PS and he explained the reason for this-
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1156734&postcount=1517

[Scotto]

ha ha. Teach me to delay my purchases - just cost myself a dollar. Oh well, better move quick before it goes up again. :001_rolle

[Hobbesoxon]

I'm scared that vendor prices are linked to reviews, now.

=/

[Scotto]

2008 Xiaguan XYZABC Big Green Tree

My second session with this one is as pleasant as the first. I am detecting a tad more acidity in it this time, which keeps it refreshing. A nice tea, but methinks not nice enough to buy more of.

[ouch]

ha ha. Teach me to delay my purchases - just cost myself a dollar. Oh well, better move quick before it goes up again. :001_rolle

That's what you get for delaying gratification.
-J. Pierpont Scotto, 3/24/09


I'm scared that vendor prices are linked to reviews, now.

=/

I'll have to start writing reviews. Believe me, nobody will want to buy a thing. :tongue_sm

[netsurfr]

Given the sheer number of months Nada spends trying to find good tea, or knocking around Yunnan trying to make good bingcha, I have to say I'm happy that he still manages to undercut other vendors. It's fortunate for the customers that he doesn't charge for his time. It's also very rare to be able to have such a guarantee of leaf authenticity. I dread to think how long I'd have to look, or how much I'd have to pay, to get 100% pure old tree from other brands / vendors, and even then you wouldn't have much in the way of certainty concerning the tea's real origins and quality.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

I see myself buying more of his tea in the future. In addition, I have corresponded a couple of times with him and find him to be very informative and interesting.

[Hobbesoxon]

SotD: 2008 Xiaguan "Yiming Jingren" [Instant Sensation] again - very nice. More fruity and "purple-leaf" than I noticed before. Rough around the 6th or 7th infusion, but you can't complain about this nice little cake. I can see myself acquiring a 2nd and maybe 3rd cake of this.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

2005 Xiahuan Cang Er tuocha

There is no way I would have picked this as a 2005 tea. Quiet aroma, some dusty fruit, typical Xiaguan. Short infusions avoid crushing bitterness. Medium bodied, some tobacco, a hint of sourness. Plenty of caffeine/cha qi.

Not bad, but not stellar either. A decent enough tea, but not one to do somersaults over. A good work tea to enjoy without much intellectual pondering.

[ouch]

2005 Xiahuan Cang Er tuocha

There is no way I would have picked this as a 2005 tea. Quiet aroma, some dusty fruit, typical Xiaguan. Short infusions avoid crushing bitterness. Medium bodied, some tobacco, a hint of sourness. Plenty of caffeine/cha qi.

Not bad, but not stellar either. A decent enough tea, but not one to do somersaults over. A good work tea to enjoy without much intellectual pondering.


I was going to write the exact same review, word for word, but I figured I'd let you do it.

I think there's something about those big 250g tuos that causes them to age very slowly, even though the piece you tried was cut from the end. It shows no differently whatsoever from a 2008; good if you simply want it to not go stale, bad if you're looking for some sort of improvement with age. This sheng may outlast either my '90 Ch. Montrose or '86 Ch. Ducru Beaucaillou, two immortals. I liked the tea. It's not bad and I enjoy drinking it, but considering the glowing reviews I've read about it, it's nothing special. The '08 FT mushroom tuo is a much better choice.

[Scotto]

2008 Menghai 7582

Strange - yesterday was a 2005 tea that tasted like a 2008, this one is a 2008 tea that tastes like a 2005....

This one seems a bit divergent from other Dayi numbered offerings. Packed tight as a... never mind. Anyway, the first few infusions don't tell the story until the leaves start to loosen up. Fruity orange brew, with some aged notes to it. Not much bitterness, some nice old book notes, a touch of sourness. Interesting tea. I also tried the 2006 version recently and thought it was good but a bit tired. This seems like one to drink now. Many thanks to Jay for the sample.

[ouch]

2008 Menghai 7582

Strange - yesterday was a 2005 tea that tasted like a 2008, this one is a 2008 tea that tastes like a 2005....


I agree that of all the 08's that I've tried, this one seems the "oldest". Perhaps it's been tweaked, or maybe it's a result of the older formula, but it's the only '08 sheng that seems completely ready to drink, something I can't say about the 7542, 7532, 8582, et al. Not much in the way of complexity , nor would expect that in one of Menghai's cheapest offerings, but it has an endearing quality reminiscent of "old school" Chinese restaurants. Whenever I drink it, I feel as if I'm sitting in Wo Hop (at 3:00 AM, of course) in 1975. :lol:
Better than the 8582, to my taste, and certainly more approachable.

[ouch]

'07 Changtai 7538

This tea surprised me by not surprising me. Every other Changtai I've sampled had something weird going on. Their '06 339 is one of the weirdest things I've ever tasted. This one seemed downright normal by comparison. I was prepared for a brutal assault on the senses, but this one was rather light. The flavors were all correct, and it made for a nice session, but I was expecting a little more oomph. I'll give this one another go.

Muchas gracias to senor Scotto for the sample.

[netsurfr]

Enjoying a 2008 Xiaguan FT "Yun Mei" Raw Pu-erh tea iron cake today. 12 infusions and going strong...

[ouch]

Enjoying a 2008 Xiaguan FT "Yun Mei" Raw Pu-erh tea iron cake today. 12 infusions and going strong...

Isn't that the one Hobbes said was a bit "thin"? :lol:

[netsurfr]

I think so. I added a few extra grams of tea to the pot and it was good for me. Maybe not high on the Hobbes appreciation scale but very nice on the netsurfr scale. I just don't have the highly evolved palate of some of the members here.
15 infusions now and I think it has petered out...

[P_K]

Xiaguan FT #4 - Third session with this tea and I continue to like it. At about $10 per 100g it is still a good price relatively speaking.

[Hobbesoxon]

I think so. I added a few extra grams of tea to the pot and it was good for me. Maybe not high on the Hobbes appreciation scale but very nice on the netsurfr scale. I just don't have the highly evolved palate of some of the members here.
15 infusions now and I think it has petered out...

There's no such thing as an evolved palate, and everyone's correct when it comes to tea :)

I thought the Yun Mei was quite fragrant and floral - did you find that? While it was nice, I liked the Xiaguan 8853 more!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

You dirty rat.
Well, there you go again.
You looking at me?
Say hello to my little friend.

'05 HLH Lincang Impression

Apparently, I can't pronounce this tea without saying impersonation, either.
I was a bit excited/anxious/nervous to try this one, given the extreme comments, both pro and con, directed at some of these HLH selections. I liked this one. A bit floral and fairly mellow, it provided a delightful session. An '05 that actually seemed like one, it wasn't harsh at all. Pretty good, I thought.





It was you, Fredo.

[physiognomy]

I am really new to Pu-erh, but have enjoyed many Chinese green teas (some may have been pu-erh?) with friends. Your thread here inspired me to abandon the nasty stuff they call coffee at work & I have enjoyed two cups of Rishi pu-erh tuo cha so far this morning. I can see this becoming a regular part of my day... After more reading I will definitely be making a smallish :wink: online order in the near future.

[Scotto]

I am really new to Pu-erh, but have enjoyed many Chinese green teas (some may have been pu-erh?) with friends. Your thread here inspired me to abandon the nasty stuff they call coffee at work & I have enjoyed two cups of Rishi pu-erh tuo cha so far this morning. I can see this becoming a regular part of my day... After more reading I will definitely be making a smallish :wink: online order in the near future.

This post (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1135001&postcount=12) will give you critical information. The Rishi tuo likely falls into the category of #2. :001_rolle

Today: 2008 Xiaguan 7653
I think at this point I can tell a Xiaguan tea by the aroma alone. Dusty sweetness. This one is fairly typical - sweet, simple, fruity. There is some interesting smokiness that comes in for a few infusions, and then dissipates. Nice enough, but a bit thinner than other Xiaguans I have tried. So far it hasn't piqued my interest enough to want to purchase a cake.

[ouch]

Today: 2008 Xiaguan 7653
I think at this point I can tell a Xiaguan tea by the aroma alone. Dusty sweetness. This one is fairly typical - sweet, simple, fruity. There is some interesting smokiness that comes in for a few infusions, and then dissipates. Nice enough, but a bit thinner than other Xiaguans I have tried. So far it hasn't piqued my interest enough to want to purchase a cake.

The more I try the non-Fei Tai branded Xiaguans, the more I love the FT's.

Though they are all unmistakingly Xiaguan, the FT's all seem to deliver another level of strength, aroma, and flavor.
The Gold Ribbon tuo, Cang Er tuo, Golden 8100, 7653, etc, are all tasty, but can't hold a candle to those FT's.

[physiognomy]

This post (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1135001&postcount=12) will give you critical information. The Rishi tuo likely falls into the category of #2. :001_rolle

Oh, I don't know... It isn't that bad really (to my uneducated palate at least). Definitely not repulsive in any regard, but I agree that the flavors may be muted and one dimensional. I'm on my 3rd seep now and it retains its faint mushroomy aroma and mild earthy flavors. No harshness or objectional components & a definite step up from the burnt coffee & artificial creamer they serve up down the hall.

As an aside... When I first started smoking cigars there were many I tried that I would not give to a stranger on the street now. Do I regret my chioces? No... Part of the fun with these things is not only finding what you like, but also the path taken to get there.

Anyway, it sounds like I might want to drink this tin up before I venture any further for fear of it being shunned to the nether regions of my cupboard :smile:

[Hobbesoxon]

We're turning into a local branch of the Xiaguan Tea Co. :)

SotD: 2008 Xiaguan "XY" 8853 - very decent. Lancang-style cereal flavours with some sweetness, and it kept going for around 10 or 11 infusions.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

We're turning into a local branch of the Xiaguan Tea Co. :)

SotD: 2008 Xiaguan "XY" 8853 - very decent. Lancang-style cereal flavours with some sweetness, and it kept going for around 10 or 11 infusions.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

I wonder if the folks at Xiaguan have any idea about the small group of non-Chinese who are passionate about their products. Unlikely. We need to cultivate some contacts there to get them to chat with us. :wink:

[Hobbesoxon]

I could live with Xiaguan freebies... :)

[thanks]

I could live with Xiaguan freebies... :)

A Xiaguan gaiwan to match my Dayi gaiwan! :w00t:

[arghblech]

Better than the 8582, to my taste, and certainly more approachable.

Isn't it strange how tastes vary. I've really been digging the 8582. I find it complex and delicate with very little bitterness. Not overly sensitive to my out-of-kilter brewing. Consistent is a good word for it.

I like this one and the 7582 quite a lot.

[ouch]

I wonder if the folks at Xiaguan have any idea about the small group of non-Chinese who are passionate about their products. Unlikely. We need to cultivate some contacts there to get them to chat with us. :wink:

I wonder if the folks at Xiaguan have any idea about the small group of non-Chinese who are passionate about their products. Unlikely. We need to cultivate some contacts there to get them to chat with us give us better prices. :wink:

[netsurfr]

There's no such thing as an evolved palate, and everyone's correct when it comes to tea :)

I thought the Yun Mei was quite fragrant and floral - did you find that? While it was nice, I liked the Xiaguan 8853 more!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

I like the concept that everyone is correct when it comes to tea. I actually find very few teas that I do not like if I find the correct brewing parameters. This kind of plays into the "Ouch" philosophy that a sample is a cake (or more recently, a sample is a tong) in order to gain experience with the tea.

I also find the Yun Mei rather floral. In fact, I think that is why I enjoyed it so much the other day. My sinuses were clear and I was really enjoying the aroma of the tea.

I have not had the opportunity to try the Xiaguan 8853 yet. Another tea to anticipate!

[ouch]

Buzzwords.
We all know them- she has a great personality....

Occasionally, you'll see the following in one of YSLLC's reviews:
good for long term storage or lovers of young sheng.

'08 Xiaguan FT Imperial Tribute

It may not taste like a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, but it is reminiscent of having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon, wrapped 'round a large gold brick.

The first few infusions were brutal. Perhaps my trusty "wrist-o-matic" scale failed me and I used too much leaf, but it took about eight brews before it began to settle down. It was super bitter and powerful- not necessarily a bad thing, but it was pretty hard to enjoy. I'll have to play around with this one a few more times before I can render any opinion.

[_JP_]

I am really new to Pu-erh, but have enjoyed many Chinese green teas (some may have been pu-erh?) with friends. Your thread here inspired me to abandon the nasty stuff they call coffee at work & I have enjoyed two cups of Rishi pu-erh tuo cha so far this morning. I can see this becoming a regular part of my day... After more reading I will definitely be making a smallish :wink: online order in the near future.



This post (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1135001&postcount=12) will give you critical information. The Rishi tuo likely falls into the category of #2. :001_rolle


The Rishi tou (actually it is mini-tou) doesn't rank as pond scum, but still it is very mild compared other shu.

[ouch]

The Rishi tou (actually it is mini-tou) doesn't rank as pond scum, but still it is very mild compared other shu.

I've never tasted a mini tuo that wasn't vile, but there really is nothing preventing a factory from making a good one. I believe the reason they don't is one of economics. It's their diner's equivilent of "special of the day": all of the left over scraps (if you're lucky).

Why bother at all? A decent full sized cake can be had for as little as ten bucks.

[ouch]

Update:
The XGFT Imperial Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler Tribute has finally settled in, after around ten infusions. It's like a powerful, young Bordeaux whose charm is overwhelmed by its tannins. I'll try it again next year.

[Hobbesoxon]

Good for long-term storage or lovers of young sheng!

[netsurfr]

Buzzwords.
...but it is reminiscent of having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon, wrapped 'round a large gold brick.


Definitely one of the most image-laden descriptions I have read lately!!!

:lol:

[ouch]

Good for long-term storage or lovers of young sheng!

You are correct. I left out the exclamation mark. :tongue_sm

[Hobbesoxon]

Good for long-term lovers and storage of young sheng!

[thanks]

04 Hai Lang Hao Big Snow Mountain zhuan cha. This is overall just okay. The mouthfeel is great, but everything else is just kind of average. I'd like to try the cake version of this as Scott claims it to have higher quality leaf than the zhuan cha version.

[netsurfr]

04 Hai Lang Hao Big Snow Mountain zhuan cha. This is overall just okay. The mouthfeel is great, but everything else is just kind of average. I'd like to try the cake version of this as Scott claims it to have higher quality leaf than the zhuan cha version.

Have some of the cake version scheduled for the next B&B Group Buy.
Cheers

[ouch]

Have some of the cake version scheduled for the next B&B Group Buy.
Cheers

Cool. This may have been inadvertent, but that's the first teaser of the next buy. :tongue_sm

[ouch]

Cool. This may have been inadvertent, but that's the first teaser of the next buy. :tongue_sm

Actually, I know me, and I can tell you exactly how this will play out-

I'll place an order, and the very next day you'll have a huge box of new goodies arrive. :lol:

[netsurfr]

Actually, I know me, and I can tell you exactly how this will play out-

I'll place an order, and the very next day you'll have a huge box of new goodies arrive. :lol:

Well, then I don't want you to place an order for stuff (that's a technical tea term) on hand when there is inbound stuff. So here is the total teaser although these are at least two months out on the slow boat from China. Some are replacements, most are new. Shu will be available in limited quantities.

2006 Menghai v93 Raw Pu-erh tea tuo cha (http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Menghai-v93-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-tuo-cha-250-grams_W0QQitemZ350127097277QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350127097277&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2005 Menghai Tea Factory Raw Premium Pu-erh Brick (http://cgi.ebay.com/2005-Menghai-Tea-Factory-Raw-Premium-Pu-erh-Brick-250g_W0QQitemZ350072687930QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350072687930&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Menghai Tea Factory 8582 Recipe Raw Pu-erh 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Menghai-Tea-Factory-8582-Recipe-Raw-Pu-erh-357g_W0QQitemZ260181769593QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item260181769593&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Menghai Tea Factory * 7532 * Raw Pu-erh Tea cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Menghai-Tea-Factory-7532-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea-cake_W0QQitemZ350018034776QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350018034776&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Menghai Tea Factory * 7542 Recipe Raw Pu-erh 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Menghai-Tea-Factory-7542-Recipe-Raw-Pu-erh-357g_W0QQitemZ260181758374QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item260181758374&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Menghai * 0772 * Raw Pu-erh tea cake * 400 grams (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Menghai-0772-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-cake-400-grams_W0QQitemZ260172510305QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item260172510305&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2006 Menghai Factory * 7582 * Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Menghai-Factory-7582-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea-Cake_W0QQitemZ260122449101QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item260122449101&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Menghai Tea Factory * 7262 * Ripe Pu-erh Tea cake
2007 Menghai Tea Factory * Secret Aroma Raw Pu-erh 400 grams
2007 Menghai 7452 Ripe Pu-erh tea cake * 357 grams
2007 Menghai Tea Factory 7572 * Ripe Pu-erh Tea cake
2007 Menghai Silver Dayi Premium Raw Pu-erh tea cake - 357 grams
2008 Menghai V93 Premium Ripe Pu-erh tea * 500 grams
2007 Menghai Tea Factory Adorned in Red * Ripe Pu-erh - Adorned in Red (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Menghai-Tea-Factory-Adorned-in-Red-Ripe-Pu-erh_W0QQitemZ260164862942QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item260164862942&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Menghai Golden Needle & White Lotus 357 grams
2007 Menghai 7672 Ripe Pu-erh tea 357 grams
2008 Menghai "0532" Premium Ripe Pu-erh tea cake 357 grams
2008 Menghai Tea Factory Early Spring Bu Lang Maiden's Tea Cake
2008 Menghai "Da Yi Hong" Premium Raw tea cake 357 grams 801
2008 Menghai "Classic" Premium Raw tea cake 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Classic-Premium-Raw-tea-cake-357g_W0QQitemZ350108546164QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350108546164&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Menghai "Classic" Premium Ripe tea cake * 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Classic-Premium-Ripe-tea-cake-357g_W0QQitemZ350108564186QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350108564186&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Menghai Tea Factory * 8562 * Ripe Pu-erh Tea cake
2007 Menghai Tea Factory * 8592 Recipe Ripe Pu-erh 357 grams
2008 Menghai "Hong Yun" Ripe Pu-erh Mini tea cake 100 grams
2008 Menghai Tea Factory * 7632 * Ripe Pu-erh Tea cake
2008 Menghai "0622" Premium Raw Pu-erh tea cake * 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-0622-Premium-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-cake-400g_W0QQitemZ350071647201QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350071647201&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2008 Menghai 7562 Classic Ripe Pu-erh Brick tea * 250 grams
2008 Menghai Tea Factory * 8582 * Raw Pu-erh Tea cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Tea-Factory-8582-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea-cake_W0QQitemZ350077081165QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350077081165&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2008 Menghai Tea Factory * 7542 * Raw Pu-erh Tea cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Tea-Factory-7542-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea-cake_W0QQitemZ350043969708QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350043969708&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2008 Menghai Tea Factory * 7532 * Raw Pu-erh Tea cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Tea-Factory-7532-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea-cake_W0QQitemZ350053756491QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350053756491&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2008 Menghai Tea Factory * 7542 802 * Raw Pu-erh Tea (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Tea-Factory-7542-802-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea_W0QQitemZ350065383442QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350065383442&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2008 Menghai "Five Colored Peacock" Raw Pu-erh tea set (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Five-Colored-Peacock-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-set_W0QQitemZ350092110343QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350092110343&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
(http://cgi.ebay.com/1999-Xiaguan-Xiao-Fa-Ripe-Pu-erh-tea-tuo-cha-100g_W0QQitemZ350117659055QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350117659055&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30) 2005 Xiaguan "Crane Label" Ripe Pu-erh tea tuo * 250 grams
2006 Xiaguan Baoyan Premium Ripe Pu-erh Tea Brick * 250 grams
2007 Xiaguan "Gold Ribbon" Pu-erh tea tuo in box * 100g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xiaguan-Gold-Ribbon-Pu-erh-tea-tuo-in-box-100g_W0QQitemZ350075683602QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350075683602&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30)
2007 Xiaguan "T8633" Raw Pu-erh tea Iron Cake * 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xiaguan-T8633-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-Iron-Cake-357g_W0QQitemZ320349555285QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320349555285&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2007 Xiaguan "Holy Flame" Raw Pu-erh tea tuo * 125g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xiaguan-Holy-Flame-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-tuo-125g_W0QQitemZ350085736348QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350085736348&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2005 Xiaguan "Cang Er Tuo Cha" Raw Pu-erh tea tuo 250g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2005-Xiaguan-Cang-Er-Tuo-Cha-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-tuo-250g_W0QQitemZ350109574247QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350109574247&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "For Taiwan #6 Cake" Raw Pu-erh * 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-For-Taiwan-6-Cake-Raw-Pu-erh-400g_W0QQitemZ320327395890QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320327395890&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan XY "8853" Recipe Raw Pu-erh tea cake 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-XY-8853-Recipe-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-cake-357g_W0QQitemZ320345000995QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320345000995&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2008 Xiaguan "Te Zhi" Premium Raw Pu-erh tea cake 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-Te-Zhi-Premium-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-cake-357g_W0QQitemZ350088527774QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350088527774&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Jia Ji" Raw Pu-erh tea bagged tuo 500g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Jia-Ji-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-bagged-tuo-500g_W0QQitemZ350109946748QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350109946748&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan "Dali Tuo" Raw Pu-erh tea tuo in box 100g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-Dali-Tuo-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-tuo-in-box-100g_W0QQitemZ350077896541QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350077896541&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan "Dream of the Red Chamber" Raw Pu-erh tuo (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-Dream-of-the-Red-Chamber-Raw-Pu-erh-tuo_W0QQitemZ350077890284QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350077890284&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Nan Zhao Tuo Cha" Pu-erh Tea
2004 Xiaguan "Crane Label" Te Ji Raw Pu-erh tea in box (http://cgi.ebay.com/2004-Xiaguan-Crane-Label-Te-Ji-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-in-box_W0QQitemZ350043454713QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350043454713&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Instant Sensation" Raw Pu-erh tea 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Instant-Sensation-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-357g_W0QQitemZ320328406890QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320328406890&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2005 Xiaguan Ancient Wild Tree Raw Pu-erh tea (http://cgi.ebay.com/2005-Xiaguan-Ancient-Wild-Tree-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-357g_W0QQitemZ350106546449QQihZ022QQcategoryZ38181 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Happy Tuo" Raw Pu-erh tea in box 100g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Happy-Tuo-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-in-box-100g_W0QQitemZ350075159321QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350075159321&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Nan Zhao Yu" Raw Pu-erh tea cake 400g
2008 Xiaguan XY "Yi Wu Big Green Tree" Pu-erh tea 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-XY-Yi-Wu-Big-Green-Tree-Pu-erh-tea-357g_W0QQitemZ320328449423QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320328449423&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Nan Zhao Round Cake" Pu-erh Tea * 454g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Nan-Zhao-Round-Cake-Pu-erh-Tea-454g_W0QQitemZ350075161890QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350075161890&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Exquisite Elegance" Pu-erh Tea * 454g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Exquisite-Elegance-Pu-erh-Tea-454g_W0QQitemZ350080288195QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350080288195&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Yun Mei" Raw Pu-erh tea iron cake 500g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Yun-Mei-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-iron-cake-500g_W0QQitemZ320327563291QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320327563291&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Xiaguan FT "Mushroom Tuo" Raw Pu-erh tea - 250 grams
2008 Xiaguan FT "Imperial Tribute" Raw Pu-erh tea cake
2008 Xiaguan "7653 Round Cake" Raw Pu-erh tea cake 357g
2009 Mengku "1974" Premium Raw Pu-eh tea cake * 500g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Mengku-1974-Premium-Raw-Pu-eh-tea-cake-500g_W0QQitemZ350195272664QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350195272664&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2009 Mengku "Highest Essence" Raw Pu-erh tea cake 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Mengku-Highest-Essence-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-cake-400g_W0QQitemZ350196221295QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350196221295&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2008 Mengku Mu Ye Chun "Old Tree Green Cake" Raw Pu-erh
2007 Mengku * Mu Ye Chun * 001 * Raw Tea Cake of Yongde
2007 Mengku * Mu Ye Chun * 002 * Raw Tea Cake of Yongde
2008 Mu Ye Chun "99801" Premium Ripe Pu-erh tea * 400 grams
2008 Mengku * Wild Arbor King * Raw Pu-erh tea 500 gram (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Mengku-Wild-Arbor-King-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-500-gram_W0QQitemZ350109935666QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350109935666&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Mengku * Wild Arbor King * Raw Pu-erh tea 500 gram (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Mengku-Wild-Arbor-King-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-500-gram_W0QQitemZ350004578353QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350004578353&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2009 Mengku "Certified Organic" Raw Pu-erh tea * 500g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Mengku-Certified-Organic-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-500g_W0QQitemZ320364923677QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320364923677&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2007 Xi-Zhi Hao * Dragon Phoenix * Raw Pu-erh Cake 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xi-Zhi-Hao-Dragon-Phoenix-Raw-Pu-erh-Cake-400g_W0QQitemZ350010478220QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350010478220&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2007 Xi-Zhi Hao * Classic 8582 * Raw Pu-erh Cake * 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xi-Zhi-Hao-Classic-8582-Raw-Pu-erh-Cake-400g_W0QQitemZ350010477900QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350010477900&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2007 Xi-Zhi Hao * Classic 7542 * Raw Pu-erh Cake * 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xi-Zhi-Hao-Classic-7542-Raw-Pu-erh-Cake-400g_W0QQitemZ350010477674QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350010477674&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2007 Xi-Zhi Hao * Yuan Shi Lin Wild Arbor Pu-erh * 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xi-Zhi-Hao-Yuan-Shi-Lin-Wild-Arbor-Pu-erh-400g_W0QQitemZ350010477393QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350010477393&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
2007 Xi-Zhi Hao * Huang Shan Lin Wild Arbor Pu-erh 400g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Xi-Zhi-Hao-Huang-Shan-Lin-Wild-Arbor-Pu-erh-400g_W0QQitemZ350010477038QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350010477038&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
1998 Guang Yun Gong Bing * Raw Pu-erh tea cake * 400 grams
2000 Yong Pin Hao "Yi Wu Zheng Shan" Stone-Pressed Raw tea cake
2003 Yong Pin Hao "Yi Wu Zheng Shan" Pu-erh tea cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Yong-Pin-Hao-Yi-Wu-Zheng-Shan-Pu-erh-tea-cake_W0QQitemZ350133961192QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350133961192&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2006 Haiwan * Certified Organic * Pasha Mountain Pu-erh Tea
2007 Haiwan Tea Factory * 7038 Blend Premium Raw Pu-erh
2006 Haiwan "Bu Lang Wild Arbor" Raw Pu-erh tuos * 500g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Haiwan-Bu-Lang-Wild-Arbor-Raw-Pu-erh-tuos-500g_W0QQitemZ350071667888QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350071667888&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2006 Haiwan * Pure Purple Bud Raw Pu-erh Tea * 357 g
2006 Haiwan Remote Mountain Ancient Tree Pu-erh Tea
2006 Haiwan * Peacock Quest * Raw Pu-erh tea cake 357g
2006 Haiwan * Peacock Quest * Ripe Pu-erh tea cake 357g
2007 Haiwan Tea Factory * 7578 Blended Premium Ripe Pu-erh
2007 Haiwan * Lao Tong Zhi "7968" * Raw Pu-erh Tea cake
2005 Hai Lang Hao "Lincang Impression" Raw Pu-erh tea (http://cgi.ebay.com/2005-Hai-Lang-Hao-Lincang-Impression-Raw-Pu-erh-tea_W0QQitemZ350136589018QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350136589018&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2004 Hai Lang Hao "Big Snow Mountain" Raw Pu-erh tea (http://cgi.ebay.com/2004-Hai-Lang-Hao-Big-Snow-Mountain-Raw-Pu-erh-tea_W0QQitemZ350184527800QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350184527800&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2005 Hai Lang Hao "Ba Ma Gong Chun" Raw Pu-erh tea 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2005-Hai-Lang-Hao-Ba-Ma-Gong-Chun-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-357g_W0QQitemZ320348987744QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320348987744&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2008 Hai Lang Hao "Star of Bu Lang" Raw tea cake * 357g (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Hai-Lang-Hao-Star-of-Bu-Lang-Raw-tea-cake-357g_W0QQitemZ350101282106QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350101282106&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) Hai Lang Hao * Lao Ban Zhang & Man'E Ancient Arbor cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/Hai-Lang-Hao-Lao-Ban-Zhang-ManE-Ancient-Arbor-cake_W0QQitemZ350094948676QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350094948676&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Hai Lang Hao * Bu Lang Mountain Wild Arbor Pu-erh (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Hai-Lang-Hao-Bu-Lang-Mountain-Wild-Arbor-Pu-erh_W0QQitemZ350105034807QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350105034807&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2002 Hai Lang Hao * Mengku Wild Arbor cake * 400 grams (http://cgi.ebay.com/2002-Hai-Lang-Hao-Mengku-Wild-Arbor-cake-400-grams_W0QQitemZ350042396641QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350042396641&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
2007 Hai Lang Hao * Jing Mai Mountain Wild Arbor Pu-erh (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Hai-Lang-Hao-Jing-Mai-Mountain-Wild-Arbor-Pu-erh_W0QQitemZ350105035209QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350105035209&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)

Green, White, Red, Black teas
Certified Organic Jasmine Pearl Green Tea (http://cgi.ebay.com/2-5-kilograms-Certified-Organic-Jasmine-Pearl-Green-Tea_W0QQitemZ350182014941QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350182014941&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30) Early Spring Yunnan Silver Needles White Tea 2009 spring (http://cgi.ebay.com/Early-Spring-Yunnan-Silver-Needles-White-Tea-1000g_W0QQitemZ320352000959QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item320352000959&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
Yunnan Pure Small Bud Black Tea Gold Tips
(http://cgi.ebay.com/Yunnan-Pure-Small-Bud-Black-Tea-Gold-Tips-500-grams_W0QQitemZ350190097118QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350190097118&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30) 2009 Bai Mu Dan * Supreme Yunnan White Tea
(http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Bai-Mu-Dan-Supreme-Yunnan-White-Tea-500-grams_W0QQitemZ350187106769QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350187106769&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) "Snow Dragon" Supreme Yunnan Pure Bud Green Tea
(http://cgi.ebay.com/Snow-Dragon-Supreme-Yunnan-Pure-Bud-Green-Tea-500g_W0QQitemZ320344334520QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320344334520&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) 2009 "Yunnan Pure Bud Bi Luo Chun" Green tea
(http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Yunnan-Pure-Bud-Bi-Luo-Chun-Green-tea-1000g_W0QQitemZ320344332606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item320344332606&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) Imperial Golden Pu-erh of Menghai - Loose Ripe tea
(http://cgi.ebay.com/Imperial-Golden-Pu-erh-of-Menghai-Loose-Ripe-tea-500g_W0QQitemZ350152631065QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350152631065&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) Spring 2008 Phoenix Dan Cong * Orchid Nectar Aroma
(http://cgi.ebay.com/Spring-2008-Phoenix-Dan-Cong-Orchid-Nectar-Aroma-250g_W0QQitemZ350050964723QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350050964723&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) Yunnan Black Gold * 1 leaf / 1 bud Simao Black Tea
(http://cgi.ebay.com/Yunnan-Black-Gold-1-leaf-1-bud-Simao-Black-Tea-1kg_W0QQitemZ350035934529QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350035934529&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) Big Red Robe * Wu Yi Rock Tea Fujian Oolong
(http://cgi.ebay.com/Big-Red-Robe-Wu-Yi-Rock-Tea-Fujian-Oolong-1000g_W0QQitemZ350052166333QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350052166333&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262) 2002 Liu Bao tea in Bamboo Basket * Wuzhou Guangxi (http://cgi.ebay.com/2002-Liu-Bao-tea-in-Bamboo-Basket-Wuzhou-Guangxi-500g_W0QQitemZ350154491358QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350154491358&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)

Teawares
Bao Lan Zhu Ni "Pear Shape" Yixing teapot (http://cgi.ebay.com/Bao-Lan-Zhu-Ni-Pear-Shape-Yixing-teapot-Zhu-Xin-Nan_W0QQitemZ350172069957QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350172069957&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)Zhu Xin Nan (http://cgi.ebay.com/Bao-Lan-Zhu-Ni-Pear-Shape-Yixing-teapot-Zhu-Xin-Nan_W0QQitemZ350172069957QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350172069957&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Ben Shan Green Clay "Dragon Egg" Yixing teapot 150ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ben-Shan-Green-Clay-Dragon-Egg-Yixing-teapot-150ml_W0QQitemZ350121561476QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350121561476&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
Pea Green Clay "Silk Tree" Teapot of Yixing * 220ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Pea-Green-Clay-Silk-Tree-Teapot-of-Yixing-220ml_W0QQitemZ350089900189QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350089900189&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Da Hong Pao Clay "Gu Shi Shui Ping" Yixing teapot 130ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Da-Hong-Pao-Clay-Gu-Shi-Shui-Ping-Yixing-teapot-130ml_W0QQitemZ350186998745QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350186998745&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Da Hong Pao Clay "Pomelo" Wen Dan Yixing teapot * 160ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Da-Hong-Pao-Clay-Pomelo-Wen-Dan-Yixing-teapot-160ml_W0QQitemZ320331119370QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item320331119370&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Da Hong Pao Clay "Duo Qiu" Yixing teapot * 150ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Da-Hong-Pao-Clay-Duo-Qiu-Yixing-teapot-150ml_W0QQitemZ320326986440QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item320326986440&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Da Hong Pao Clay "Ru Yi Shi Piao" Yixing teapot * 250ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Da-Hong-Pao-Clay-Ru-Yi-Shi-Piao-Yixing-teapot-250ml_W0QQitemZ320357028441QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item320357028441&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Da Hong Pao Clay Cups * Set of 2 cups by Wang Jian Ying (http://cgi.ebay.com/Da-Hong-Pao-Clay-Cups-Set-of-2-cups-by-Wang-Jian-Ying_W0QQitemZ350114590666QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350114590666&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Da Hong Pao Clay "Dragon Egg" Yixing teapot * 110ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Da-Hong-Pao-Clay-Dragon-Egg-Yixing-teapot-110ml_W0QQitemZ320331122601QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item320331122601&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Yixing Teapot Stand * Carved Wood Burl * 10cm diameter (http://cgi.ebay.com/Yixing-Teapot-Stand-Carved-Wood-Burl-10cm-diameter_W0QQitemZ320355193413QQcmdZViewItemQQptZL H_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item320355193413&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Bamboo Tray for Chiseling Away at your Pu-erh tea cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/Bamboo-Tray-for-Chiseling-Away-at-your-Pu-erh-tea-cake_W0QQitemZ350090452641QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350090452641&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Electronic Scale * 0.1 gram to 500 grams * SF-700 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Electronic-Scale-0-1-gram-to-500-grams-SF-700_W0QQitemZ350135649857QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350135649857&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
High Compression Bamboo Tea Table "Groove" 70cm * 43cm (http://cgi.ebay.com/High-Compression-Bamboo-Tea-Table-Groove-70cm-43cm_W0QQitemZ320341140257QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item320341140257&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
"Goldfish" * Tea Table with Plastic Catchment tray (http://cgi.ebay.com/Goldfish-Tea-Table-with-Plastic-Catchment-tray_W0QQitemZ350087577483QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350087577483&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Portable Tea Table w/ cover * Gong Fu Tea Brewing HTP-B (http://cgi.ebay.com/Portable-Tea-Table-w-cover-Gong-Fu-Tea-Brewing-HTP-B_W0QQitemZ350125201627QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defau ltDomain_0?hash=item350125201627&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
Yin and Yang * Bamboo Tea Table * 31 x 31 x 6 cm (http://cgi.ebay.com/Yin-and-Yang-Bamboo-Tea-Table-31-x-31-x-6-cm_W0QQitemZ350039152598QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item350039152598&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Ceramic Water Buffalo Strainer and Stand * Gong Fu Tea (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ceramic-Water-Buffalo-Strainer-and-Stand-Gong-Fu-Tea_W0QQitemZ350040053778QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAntiqu es_Decorative_Arts?hash=item350040053778&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Jingdezhen Porcelain Gaiwan "Mudan" Blue on White 125m (http://cgi.ebay.com/Jingdezhen-Porcelain-Gaiwan-Mudan-Blue-on-White-125ml_W0QQitemZ350108081995QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350108081995&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Hand-Painted Lotus on White Celadon Gaiwan * 200ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Painted-Lotus-on-White-Celadon-Gaiwan-200ml_W0QQitemZ350180212709QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350180212709&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Hand-Painted Gaiwan * 125ml * Blue Goldfish * Gai Wan (http://cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Painted-Gaiwan-125ml-Blue-Goldfish-Gai-Wan_W0QQitemZ350012678596QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350012678596&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Jingdezhen Porcelain Gaiwan "Red and Blue Koi" 120ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Jingdezhen-Porcelain-Gaiwan-Red-and-Blue-Koi-120ml_W0QQitemZ350167671473QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350167671473&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
"Ge Yao" Celadon * 70ml Ceramic Tea Cup * Set of 2 cups (http://cgi.ebay.com/Ge-Yao-Celadon-70ml-Ceramic-Tea-Cup-Set-of-2-cups_W0QQitemZ350091249530QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350091249530&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Celadon Ceramic Drinking Cups * Set of 6 * 40ml each (http://cgi.ebay.com/Celadon-Ceramic-Drinking-Cups-Set-of-6-40ml-each_W0QQitemZ350096195330QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350096195330&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
Red Zisha Cups w/ White Glazed Interior * 4 cups * 40ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Red-Zisha-Cups-w-White-Glazed-Interior-4-cups-40ml_W0QQitemZ350127121593QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350127121593&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
DB Zisha Cups w/ White Glazed Interior * 4 cups * 40ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/DB-Zisha-Cups-w-White-Glazed-Interior-4-cups-40ml_W0QQitemZ350127121995QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item350127121995&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
"Rust Gradient Ceramic Tea Cup * Large tea cup 125ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Rust-Gradient-Ceramic-Tea-Cup-Large-tea-cup-125ml_W0QQitemZ350091248139QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350091248139&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
"Alabaster and Bamboo" Large Ceramic tea cup * 125ml (http://cgi.ebay.com/Alabaster-and-Bamboo-Large-Ceramic-tea-cup-125ml_W0QQitemZ350100944400QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350100944400&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262)
Pu-erh tea cake or brick prying pick / needle * Stand! (http://cgi.ebay.com/Pu-erh-tea-cake-or-brick-prying-pick-needle-Stand_W0QQitemZ350066676814QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item350066676814&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
Knife for Prying Away at your Pu-erh Tea Brick or Cake (http://cgi.ebay.com/Knife-for-Prying-Away-at-your-Pu-erh-Tea-Brick-or-Cake_W0QQitemZ260000905999QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item260000905999&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)
Porcelain Gaiwan * White Elegance * 100 ml * Gai Wan (http://cgi.ebay.com/Porcelain-Gaiwan-White-Elegance-100-ml-Gai-Wan_W0QQitemZ350147786521QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item350147786521&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30)

Feel free to reserve your tea or teawares in advance.

Best regards and good drooling,
Steve

[ouch]

Great oogly moogly! :eek:

Where's my ski mask and crowbar?

My head is spinning.........

[netsurfr]

... and I thought the back room in my basement (hence designated as the tearoom) smelled good now. In a couple of months, you will be able to get a tea high just walking past the room! :tongue_sm :biggrin: :001_smile

[Scotto]

Wow. Just wow. :eek:

[ouch]

For sale: my wife's anniversary gift. Never used. Best offer.



Gotta start saving!

[netsurfr]

Funny... in a sick sort of way. So, whaddayagot? Maybe we can trade some precious stones for tea or Gold? Platinum? Silver? :lol: :lol: :lol:

[P_K]

You may have the largest puerh collection in the US after this. How is the market for selling one's soul?

'07 Changtai 7538

Mild. Ummm. Mild and..... well it wasn't bad. One thing I noticed is that the leaves seemed to unfurl more quickly. After 5-6 infusions the leaves were pretty much open. I guess they were not rolled as tightly? I hope it improves a bit somehow.

[ouch]

Funny... in a sick sort of way. So, whaddayagot? Maybe we can trade some precious stones for tea or Gold? Platinum? Silver? :lol: :lol: :lol:

This was our 15th anniversary, so I got her a can of motor oil. 10W40! :lol: (See anniversary thread.)

I'm calling first dibs on 500g of V93 ripe and a 100g mini cake of Hong Yun from your "limited availability" cooked collection. :tongue_sm My head is spinning.

[ouch]

Mild. Ummm. Mild and..... well it wasn't bad. One thing I noticed is that the leaves seemed to unfurl more quickly. After 5-6 infusions the leaves were pretty much open. I guess they were not rolled as tightly? I hope it improves a bit somehow.

I found it to be mild, as well. I was expected something more along the lines of the outrageous 339.

[Hobbesoxon]

@netsurfr:

Hole cake, that's a LOT of tea - haha! Amazing. Your house must smell really, really good by now.

Where on EARTH do you store all that? I have trouble as it is!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[netsurfr]

@netsurfr:

Hole cake, that's a LOT of tea - haha! Amazing. Your house must smell really, really good by now.

Where on EARTH do you store all that? I have trouble as it is!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes
I have an 8 ft by 12 ft room in the basement that used to be my workshop. The short story is that it has been transformed using a number of stainless steel racks on wheels.

2008 Xiaguan FT "Exquisite Elegance" today.

Jay,
I noted and recorded your request for dibs on a couple of the cooked pu.
If anyone else wants to reserve any of the teas, I will start recording your desires in my spreadsheet. I really did order a limited number of the cooked varieties so it may be wise to reserve your preferences at least in that area.

[Scotto]

I found it to be mild, as well. I was expected something more along the lines of the outrageous 339.

The Changtai 339 is actually the odd man out. I have tried a bunch of Changtais (Hou De carries some excellent ones), and they are nothing like that one.

[ouch]

The Changtai 339 is actually the odd man out. I have tried a bunch of Changtais (Hou De carries some excellent ones), and they are nothing like that one.

It was one of the first shengs I tried. I'm surprised I still drink this stuff. :lol:
I did enjoy its over the top presentation of a bewildering array of flavors- it's certainly an oddball..

[ouch]

I really did order a limited number of the cooked varieties so it may be wise to reserve your preferences at least in that area.

If that be the case, you may as well pencil me in for a basket of Liu Bao. :001_smile

[ouch]

Today will be some '08 Hai Lang Hao Lao Zi Bhang & Man'E Ramirez, named after a former girlfriend and a famous substance abuser.

The generous sample was graciously provided by my former hero, Scotto.

You're out, Tom. :lol::lol::lol: Steve is the new consigliere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGidH6HwbTE

[Scotto]

Today will be some '08 Hai Lang Hao Lao Zi Bhang & Man'E Ramirez, named after a former girlfriend and a famous substance abuser.

The generous sample was graciously provided by my former hero, Scotto.

You're out, Tom. :lol::lol::lol: Steve is the new consigliere.


I was never a wartime consiglieri anyway.

[netsurfr]

oGidH6HwbTE[/youtube]

Too funny... :lol: :w00t: :lol:

[arghblech]

Goodbye to my 2007 Xiaguan FT #4 sample. I hardly knew ye :frown:

I had one hell of a good session with this. That FT #4 is a bad mother...

//you shut yo' mouth

[ouch]

Scotto claims to be able to indentify Xiaguans blind, and I think I can say the same about Menghai. Even though they're all different, they all possess that telltale Menghai signature.

'08 Classic
Medium bodied and not particularly powerful, it's another terrific everyday sheng. Will be getting more.

[Hobbesoxon]

Is the 08 Menghai that you mean this one (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2009/01/2008-menghai-dajingdian.html), perchance? If so, I'm with you! Great stuff. Thoroughly Menghai.

Today: 2003 Xiaguan export tuocha courtesy of Woogie! Thank you so, so much. Great tea: clean, good storage, some potency, loads of sweetness. Simple, gentle, but very nice.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[thirdeye]

I knew you'd provide the first response. :lol:

8g in a 100ml gaiwan? You're a tuffguy!

When I can't find my tuo pick, I use this.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=28135&d=1218810279

And folks, this is all he uses to slice up he cakes....:wink:

[thanks]

And folks, this is all he uses to slice up he cakes....:wink:

That seems a little difficult with a slant... it must be loaded with a feather! :lol::lol::lol:

[netsurfr]

Actually, I use this to separate the cakes. Only appropriate tool for a shaving forum.



Kidding of course...

[Scotto]

Froze my privates off in howling wind and cold most of the morning working in the garden. Once I got back inside, it was 2004 Xiaguan Baoyan brick. Nice bit of age on it; books and leather with some characteristic baoyan sourness. Very nice stuff.

[ouch]

The slant was only included for scale (and because it's so purdy), and the knife would be no match for a bing. Some of those Xiaguans are so tight my honesuki can't pry them open.

Back to the Menghai (and yes, it's the Dajingdian)-
Some teas start out with a stentorian bang, then quickly fade to a whimper. Seems natural, I suppose, what with that pesky second law of thermodynamics and all. This one began innocuously, then continued to grow in taste and stature for many more infusions than I would have originally guessed. Even Mrs. O, the Grand Poobah of pooh-poohing pu'er herself, gave it the ever rare thumbs up. This is one of the better <$20 bings I've had, and I'd be happy to drink it daily.

[thirdeye]

The slant was only included for scale (and because it's so purdy), and the knife would be no match for a bing. Some of those Xiaguans are so tight my honesuki can't pry them open.

Back to the Menghai (and yes, it's the Dajingdian)-
Some teas start out with a stentorian bang, then quickly fade to a whimper. Seems natural, I suppose, what with that pesky second law of thermodynamics and all. This one began innocuously, then continued to grow in taste and stature for many more infusions than I would have originally guessed. Even Mrs. O, the Grand Poobah of pooh-poohing pu'er herself, gave it the ever rare thumbs up. This is one of the better <$20 bings I've had, and I'd be happy to drink it daily.

OK, now I must say....Please point me to a couple nices teas. I'v tried some and enjoy but I can't seem to find the one that I am looking for....

[netsurfr]

OK, now I must say....Please point me to a couple nices teas. I'v tried some and enjoy but I can't seem to find the one that I am looking for....

Wow, I have so many that I really enjoy...
So, my current favorite is the 2002 Hai Lang Hao Mengku Wild Arbor cake
is one of my current favorites.

[Scotto]

2006 CNNP 5961 (? - going from memory on the name)

Leaves: looks like something I scraped from the bottom of my shoe.

Taste: Something I scraped from the bottom of my shoe would have more taste.

[P_K]

Actually, I use this to separate the cakes. Only appropriate tool for a shaving forum.



Kidding of course...


Wow....sweet damascus blade on that puppy.


I have to admidt that I have been drinking a lot of shincha of late and not much puerh.

[netsurfr]

2006 CNNP 5961 (? - going from memory on the name)

Leaves: looks like something I scraped from the bottom of my shoe.

Taste: Something I scraped from the bottom of my shoe would have more taste.

Whew! Glad that was not one of my samples... .... ... :w00t:

[ouch]

Whew! Glad that was not one of my samples... .... ... :w00t:

No, I'm the guilty party.
For the record, Scott keeps his shoes impeccably clean. :lol:


(Told you you wouldn't like that one. Then again, tomorrow brings HLH star of Bulang. :rolleyes:)

[thanks]

1996 8582 from Nada. This is excellent tea, stored perfectly. Just wet enough without being too much so, a healthy white frost and a nice shicang scent. I very much enjoy this tea in it's simple sweetness, and I'm actually thinking about buying a beeng.

[Hobbesoxon]

1996 8582 from Nada. This is excellent tea, stored perfectly. Just wet enough without being too much so, a healthy white frost and a nice shicang scent. I very much enjoy this tea in it's simple sweetness, and I'm actually thinking about buying a beeng.

I love the 8582. £84 is a bit more than I could comfortably manage (i.e., convince my wife), given how much modern 8582 you could get for that, but I can definitely see the appeal. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

'08 XG FT Imperial Tribute

NB: Don't mess with those Fei Tai characters (place index finger on nose and push to one side). They're a tough buncha sumbitches, judging by the tea they drink. Powerful stuff, but very tasty.

This is supposed to be based (whatever that means) on the Yu Shang gongtuo formula. If they're the same the XGFTIT seems a bargain at $15 compared to the 200g tuo for roughly $20.

[Scotto]

2008 Menghai 0622, courtesy of Jay

Me likey. I imagine this tea like the unholy offspring of Menghai and Xiaguan. Orange, bitter, dark fruits and tobacco. A very nice combination indeed - I will get more.

[ouch]

More on the Imperial Tribute. I must have used too much leaf in post #1594. A lighter hand and very short infusions yielded much better results today.

[ouch]

'08 Menghai 0622

One of the better of the newer recipes. A bit fashion driven, perhaps, but nice.

[Scotto]

2008 Xiaguan Happy Tuo

I know I am in the minority on this one, but I don't feel the love. Sure, expectations aren't that high given the price, but I just don't find this one satisfying, despite having given it a half dozen sessions or so.

[netsurfr]

'08 Menghai 0622
One of the better of the newer recipes. A bit fashion driven, perhaps, but nice.

OK, I just have to ask. What does "fashion driven" mean in the context of tea? Perhaps something special in the way a tea wears its wrapper? :lol: :tongue_sm

[Hobbesoxon]

2008 xiaguan happy tuo

i know i am in the minority on this one, but i don't feel the love. Sure, expectations aren't that high given the price, but i just don't find this one satisfying, despite having given it a half dozen sessions or so.

witch!!!

[ouch]

OK, I just have to ask. What does "fashion driven" mean in the context of tea? Perhaps something special in the way a tea wears its wrapper? :lol: :tongue_sm

:lol:
Just speculation, of course, but it seems that Menghai is augmenting their stock of tried and true recipes with a host of recently formulated blends. Perhaps this is to increase "shelf space" on the market, in an effort to combat the numerous upstart factories (some probably operating out of mom's basement) that flooded the market during the boom. Not all of these have been entirely successful, from what I read, but the 0622 was very nice. Another recent winner was the Dajingdian/Heap Big Classic.

It also seems to have been somewhat tweaked.

[netsurfr]

:lol:
Just speculation, of course, but it seems that Menghai is augmenting their stock of tried and true recipes with a host of recently formulated blends. Perhaps this is to increase "shelf space" on the market, in an effort to combat the numerous upstart factories (some probably operating out of mom's basement) that flooded the market during the boom. Not all of these have been entirely successful, from what I read, but the 0622 was very nice. Another recent winner was the Dajingdian/Heap Big Classic.

It also seems to have been somewhat tweaked.

Cool, thanks for the speculation. Increasing shelf space, huh... there's a marketing approach.

OK, as long as I am displaying my ignorance, what exactly does it mean when the manufacturer tweaks the tea? How does one identify tweakified tea?

[ouch]

Cool, thanks for the speculation. Increasing shelf space, huh... there's a marketing approach.

Hey, it works for Coca-Cola. (Coke, diet coke, coke zero, coke -1, cherry coke, diet cherry coke, caffeine free coke, caffeine free diet coke......... just keep pushing those other brands off the shelves.)


OK, as long as I am displaying my ignorance, what exactly does it mean when the manufacturer tweaks the tea? How does one identify tweakified tea?

I think a good young sheng should brew a nice yellow liquor, with only tinges of other colors. Older sheng goes to orange and red.

A lot of young sheng show orange or rust colored when brand new. I think the producers are trying to make them seem more advanced in age than they really are. Roasting the leaves or fiddling with the kill green process could account for that.

I'm sure the ever erudite Hobbes could expand on this, as soon as he finishes breaking in his new yixing pot:
Hobbes' new teapot (http://cgi.ebay.com/NBA-Basketball-Prints-Yixing-China-Chinese-Tea-Pot_W0QQitemZ280340571589QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAsian_ Antiques?hash=item414599a5c5&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=&#37;7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30)

[netsurfr]

I think a good young sheng should brew a nice yellow liquor, with only tinges of other colors. Older sheng goes to orange and red.

A lot of young sheng show orange or rust colored when brand new. I think the producers are trying to make them seem more advanced in age than they really are. Roasting the leaves or fiddling with the kill green process could account for that.

OK, that makes sense. Now that you mentioned it, I have noticed some 08 sheng that had some characteristics that seemed like a much older tea in appearance, color, smell (dry and wet) and/or taste. I need to learn so much more about teas.

[physiognomy]

Nothing in the tea pot today (working out of town this week), but I received a great package from Steve this afternoon... I hope it is ok to say a quick thank you here in the SOTD thread.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3529221027_b2ea68a6a6_o.jpg

The pic only shows some of my loot... :biggrin: I am more than happy with my purchase & would recommend Steve to anyone interested in getting into tea. He took the time to pick out a sampler for me and shipped it out lightning fast. I also have to mention that everything was packaged like he was sending it to himself. I thank you for the care & attention you put into everything...

[ouch]

Nothing in the tea pot today (working out of town this week), but I received a great package from Steve this afternoon... I hope it is ok to say a quick thank you here in the SOTD thread............. I also have to mention that everything was packaged like he was sending it to himself. I thank you for the care & attention you put into everything...


Are you kidding? The next time I move, I'm hiring Steve to pack. :lol:

[netsurfr]

It was entirely my pleasure. Always great to have another enthusiastic member of the pu-erh drinking club.

[Hobbesoxon]

Haha.. basketball teapot.

Make it a "real tennis" ball, and I'll buy it :)

[Spacegeezer]

I just bought some 2007 white sheng pu'er. It's a very interesting-looking and pleasant-tasting tea. Unfortunately, I don't know a lot about it - other than that I enjoy its flavour, and I don't notice the sweat ;). It is, as you would expect, quite different from your average sheng. I am interested to see how it changes over the next few years.

[Aquanin]

I see the 09 Menghai's starting to roll out. Yum!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Menghai-Silver-Peacock-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea-cake-400g_W0QQitemZ320371328054QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item4a979e8436&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30

[ouch]

I see the 09 Menghai's starting to roll out. Yum!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Menghai-Silver-Peacock-Raw-Pu-erh-Tea-cake-400g_W0QQitemZ320371328054QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item4a979e8436&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30


Yep. A Peacock, no less. :tongue_sm

[Scotto]

2008 Xiaguan FT Most Excellent Elegance

Trying this one again to see if I liked it as much as the first time. I did.

[ouch]

2008 Xiaguan FT Most Excellent Elegance

Trying this one again to see if I liked it as much as the first time. I did.

Good to hear, as I have a sealed bing of that (a rare one pounder).

I know, I know- that's what.........

[P_K]

2008 Xiaguan FT Yun Mei -

This is the third session with this tea and the best one of them. Nice body and a lovely floral quality that is unusual for the shengs that I have tried. Think I brewed this correctly this time. Yum may for the Yun Mei. I will get a cake or two of this.

[P_K]

I just bought some 2007 white sheng pu'er. It's a very interesting-looking and pleasant-tasting tea. Unfortunately, I don't know a lot about it - other than that I enjoy its flavour, and I don't notice the sweat ;). It is, as you would expect, quite different from your average sheng. I am interested to see how it changes over the next few years.

It certainly is a pretty cake. I used to have one like that. Looks like a Da Bai Hao bing.

[expatCanuck]

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
It's been 2 months since my last Sheng.
(I've still been shaving, tho' -- mostly daily.)

2004 Jinuo Shan You Le
Sample from YSLLC

Notwithstanding the cold that's taking hold (and my sense of smell),
I like it.

When I grow up, I hope to be much more descriptive -- like Jim is here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=912216&postcount=569).
(He had me at 'fruit compote'.)

That said, I'd pretty much agree with Jim's comments.
Except that I'm getting a cinnamon note too.
It's not unlike a Bai Hao oolong, only with more authorit&#225;.

[ouch]

'08 Hai Lang Hao Star of Bulang

Okay, Scott. Maybe the two CNNP's I sent you to try weren't of the highest quality, but that's no reason to try to poison me. :w00t:

Actually, although I was a bit afraid to try this one, I gave it a go, and was surprised that I wasn't isnstantly offended. It brewed very dark- darker than some shu I've had- but it wasn't excessively distasteful. Then around the sixth infusion or so it hit me. What the hell is that smell? I think it's citronella. :eek: Once I noticed it, I couldn't think of anything else, and had to rinse with Listerine.

There are so many delicious shengs on the market, no reason to settle for anything that isn't, at the very least, good to excellent. With so many decent bings in the $15 range and some truly fine ones in the low to mid twenties, this one is a megadud. Almost as annoying as this-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enXHx8gG4zs&feature=related

[Scotto]

'08 Hai Lang Hao Star of Bulang

Okay, Scott. Maybe the two CNNP's I sent you to try weren't of the highest quality, but that's no reason to try to poison me. :w00t:

Actually, although I was a bit afraid to try this one, I gave it a go, and was surprised that I wasn't isnstantly offended. It brewed very dark- darker than some shu I've had- but it wasn't excessively distasteful. Then around the sixth infusion or so it hit me. What the hell is that smell? I think it's citronella. :eek: Once I noticed it, I couldn't think of anything else, and had to rinse with Listerine.

There are so many delicious shengs on the market, no reason to settle for anything that isn't, at the very least, good to excellent. With so many decent bings in the $15 range and some truly fine ones in the low to mid twenties, this one is a megadud. Almost as annoying as this-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enXHx8gG4zs&feature=related
Hee! Not like I didn't warn you.

[P_K]

'08 Hai Lang Hao Star of Bulang

Okay, Scott. Maybe the two CNNP's I sent you to try weren't of the highest quality, but that's no reason to try to poison me. :w00t:

Actually, although I was a bit afraid to try this one, I gave it a go, and was surprised that I wasn't isnstantly offended. It brewed very dark- darker than some shu I've had- but it wasn't excessively distasteful. Then around the sixth infusion or so it hit me. What the hell is that smell? I think it's citronella. :eek: Once I noticed it, I couldn't think of anything else, and had to rinse with Listerine.

There are so many delicious shengs on the market, no reason to settle for anything that isn't, at the very least, good to excellent. With so many decent bings in the $15 range and some truly fine ones in the low to mid twenties, this one is a megadud. Almost as annoying as this-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enXHx8gG4zs&feature=related

OMG! I must have that super cheesy zebra striped shirt!

[arghblech]

2008 Peacock of Menghai

My tasting notes from the first session I had with this indicated that I didn't get much flavor from it prior to obtaining a tea scale. I suggested using more tea.

This session was with 7g. After the rinse I sniffed the leaves in my gaiwan and it had a beautiful raisin and prune with a hint of anise. Sadly the tea never showed me anything but brutal and soul crushing bitterness and astringency. What a frustrating session. My infusions were very very fast for the first 5 or 6 but I never once got anything nice.

[ouch]

Hee! Not like I didn't warn you.

On a positive note, I breathed on a fly that was annoying me, and he dropped dead midflight.

'08 White Crane/Big G/Baoyan/Horse's Patootie (don't want y'all to think I'm drinking too much Xiaguan) 7653

If you were to drink good, aged, first growth Bordeaux every night for a year, you'd probably think that there couldn't be a downside. Yet in addition to the financial hit, you'd probably become so jaded that you''d lose the ability to fully appreciate their greatness. There are no absolutes in taste; things may only be judged in comparison to others. I think it's every bit as important, if not moreso, to find a delicious and satisfying $5 everyday wine than it is to master the intricacies of Burgundy. You need to really know what is good to understand what is great.

The 7653 is not a great tea. It is a good tea. It's a correct and genuine sheng, and if it were the first pu'er I tried, I could have avoided that long dark period. It doesn't matter that for two dollars more the FT Imperial Tribute (or others) is much better by any definition. You don't always need a blockbuster. Sometimes a simple pleasure is preferable.

[Scotto]

2006 Menghai 7582

I first tried this one at work using a gaiwan and wasn't impressed. Today, at home using Yixing and relaxing in the cool breeze coming through the windows, I like it much more. Sweet, dark fruits, and some nuttiness that comes in at the 4th infusion. A nice tea that I am reconsidering my opinion of.

[ouch]

2006 Menghai 7582

I first tried this one at work using a gaiwan and wasn't impressed. Today, at home using Yixing and relaxing in the cool breeze coming through the windows, I like it much more. Sweet, dark fruits, and some nuttiness that comes in at the 4th infusion. A nice tea that I am reconsidering my opinion of.

I never had that one, but I see it's a big bump in price (more than double) vs. the newer release.

Am I alone in thinking that the "75xx" series seem more old school than the "85xx" or newer recipes? They seem to harken to bygone days.

[netsurfr]

If you were to drink good, aged, first growth Bordeaux every night for a year, you'd probably think that there couldn't be a downside. Yet in addition to the financial hit, you'd probably become so jaded that you''d lose the ability to fully appreciate their greatness. There are no absolutes in taste; things may only be judged in comparison to others. I think it's every bit as important, if not moreso, to find a delicious and satisfying $5 everyday wine than it is to master the intricacies of Burgundy. You need to really know what is good to understand what is great.

The 7653 is not a great tea. It is a good tea. It's a correct and genuine sheng, and if it were the first pu'er I tried, I could have avoided that long dark period. It doesn't matter that for two dollars more the FT Imperial Tribute (or others) is much better by any definition. You don't always need a blockbuster. Sometimes a simple pleasure is preferable.

Wow, the ever eloquent "Ouch." :001_rolle

[netsurfr]

Mid 80's Xiaguan 8653 from NadaCha. Creamy goodness! What an experience!!!
Edit: I had about ten infusions of this yesterday and started off the day with another four infusions. I am sure this is going to lose its oomph but there is no end in sight as of yet. This tea creates an unusual tingle that seems to be localized near the tip of the tongue. It has a rich reddish brown liquor that coats the tongue. Overall, just great mouth-watering goodness.
This is scary 'cause this stuff is not inexpensive and I can already see myself wanting more.... and more... and more. Going to have to cut up the credit cards!!!

[Hobbesoxon]

2007 Boyou "Manlushan" (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2008/05/2007-boyou.html) - after a heavy night, this tea cures headaches and reenergises... but doesn't seem anything more than a decent plantation tea. Clean and fresh, but quite limited.

I bought a box of three of these cakes from YS, and am hoping that subsequent sessions turn out to be more like the enjoyment that I found in the sample. A hangover can really mess up the appreciation of a tea...


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

2007 Boyou "Manlushan" (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2008/05/2007-boyou.html)

I love the wrapper on that bing.



..... after a heavy night....... A hangover can really mess up the appreciation of a tea...


Toodlepip,

Hobbes


I can't but notice that isn't the first time you, umm, overdid it. You'd think that with the myriad courses you've taken, one of them would have been titled Drinking 101. :lol: A Brit, no less!

[ouch]

'05 Menghai 7542

Steady Freddie. Do I buy more of these at upwards of $30/bing, or stock up on '08/'09 for less than half the price and just wait? I can buy an '08 and wait three years, but then the '05 will be seven years old. Damn, I'll always be playing catch up. My head's going to explode.

[Hobbesoxon]

I can't but notice that isn't the first time you, umm, overdid it. You'd think that with the myriad courses you've taken, one of them would have been titled Drinking 101. :lol: A Brit, no less!

One of my oldest friends is emigrating to Vancouver in a few weeks, so we had a punting party at my place to send him off. Great fun, great hangover - that's where the pu'er comes in :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Salsero]

It doesn't look to me like an activity that would induce hangover.http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u320/salsero_de_te/Poorpuntnavigation.jpg

[Hobbesoxon]

It doesn't look to me like an activity that would induce hangover.

Hehe... trust the Chinese tourists to punt from (i) the wrong end of the punt, (ii) punt in the wrong direction, and (iii) use the paddle as if it were a canoe. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

2004 CNNP 7548 (I think), courtesy of Jay.

You know how when you think of the Chinese government, you think about the promotion of individualism, and the honest expression of ideas? Just kidding. This tea tastes like you would expect from the nationalized tea company. Insipid.

[Hobbesoxon]

Classic :)

[netsurfr]

2004 CNNP 7548 (I think), courtesy of Jay.
This tea tastes like you would expect from the nationalized tea company. Insipid.

But, did you have any really strong opinions on the subject?

:lol: :001_rolle :lol:

[P_K]

2008 Xiaguan FT Exquisite Elegance -

Again I like this the best of the seven Xiaguans I tried. Nuanced, solid with a hint of smoke. Simply great.

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan FT Imperial Tribute.

A he-man tea. No wimps allowed. Not for sale in France.

[ouch]

'08 Menghai 7532 (801)

I've had this for over six months, and decided it was time to give it a try. All I can say is Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-PTANG. Zoom-Boing. Z'nourrwringmm.

To me, this is exactly what pu'er is supposed to taste like. You may say, "Poor Ouch, drinking that chopped up, blended, factory tea", but as far as I'm concerned, this is what it's all about.


Speaking of opinions, if you haven't already read Hobbes's blog entry of 5-18, stop reading my drivel and proceed there immeadiately.

[Scotto]

2008 Yuan Nian "Gathering of Heroes"

I bought this tea a number of months ago, and it ranked as one of my worst purchases ever. Sure it was cheap, but it sank below even my meager expectations.

Fast forward a few months, and I decided it was time to give it another chance. The leaves are pretty, and easily pried from the cake. The two rinses showed some odd black particles, so pop goes the lid of the gaiwan, and what do I see? A piece of freaking charcoal in the cup. Unbelievable. I guess I can start my grill with it tonight.

I removed the charcoal and started again. You know what? This tea pisses me off. I have tried dozens of mediocre teas, and generally I just shrug and move on, knowing that in the world of pu'er, there are few diamonds among the charcoal, so to speak.

This one, however, I consider a personal affront. This is clearly a new company looking to pass off crappy tea as a result of the pu'er craze of a few years ago. There is not even any attempt here to make something good, and it annoys me even more to hear the positive commentary of the tea shops that sell this crap.

I'd like to fly to China and throw this cake into the faces of the Yuan Nian execs, who are likely laughing their asses off at the stupid idiots like me who brought their crappy tea. What a waste.

<rant off>

[netsurfr]

2008 Yuan Nian "Gathering of Heroes"

I'd like to fly to China and throw this cake into the faces of the Yuan Nian execs, who are likely laughing their asses off at the stupid idiots like me who brought their crappy tea.


Are you sure that you have really given this tea a fair chance? :tongue_sm

I am not volunteering, by the way. With a writeup like that, it sounds like it is not even worth the postage to pass along to someone else. :w00t:

[ouch]

2008 Yuan Nian "Gathering of Heroes"

This tea pisses me off.

Best. Review. Ever. :tongue_sm

[P_K]

2007 Yuan Nian - Jiang Cheng

After all the Xiaguan's Ive been feasting on I decided to try one of these for giggles and the like. Believe it or not I still kind of like this one. It has burnt orange, dan cong and a bit of sweetness to it....no it is not complex. However, for a change of pace Im glad I have this one around.

Concerning the Gathering of Heros.....yes that is one horrible cake. I told everyone who asked me about these teas to stay away from that one. I was astounded by the fact that there was so little flavor in the leaves. It is the "ditch weed" of puerh. I don't think that Im going out on a limb when I say that I doubt Yuan Nian is going to be around for long.

[netsurfr]

Concerning the Gathering of Heros.....yes that is one horrible cake. I don't think that Im going out on a limb when I say that I doubt Yuan Nian is going to be around for long.

If you are going out on a limb, it is one solid limb. I was tempted by the cheap price and tried a sample of this. I threw away the tea after the third infusion and sent the remainder of the sample to the trash can. Bleh, bleh... just bleh! Narsty stuff!

[Hobbesoxon]

I've still not tried any of the Yuan Nian sample set from YS, despite having it for abou 3 months now. Reviews like Scotto's have scared me off!

Aieee!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. "Good for long-time storage or lovers of young sheng"TM?

[ouch]

'08 Menghai 7532 (801)

This is not a misprint. Despite having roughly 30 shengs open, plus a few shu, oolongs, blacks, greens, and miscellaneous teas (you know- junk) I never drink the same thing two days in a row. I just wanted to see if this was as good as I thought it was.

It's a keeper.

[Suzuki]

2007 Xi Shi Hao 8582

Not bad, but not stellar either a decent workaday tea.

I just got some of the following from netsurfer and can't figure out which to try next:

2008 Xiaguan FT "Happy Tuo"
2008 Xiaguan FT "Mushroom Tuo"
2007 Xiaguan "Gold Ribbon"

Any suggestions?

[P_K]

I dont know about anyone else but I could not get the Yuan Nian website to work.

http://www.yuanniantea.com

Could it be that they are gone already? LOL!!!!

Does this mean that my current cakes are instant classics? :lol:

[ouch]

2007 Xi Shi Hao 8582

Not bad, but not stellar either a decent workaday tea.

I just got some of the following from netsurfer and can't figure out which to try next:

2008 Xiaguan FT "Happy Tuo"
2008 Xiaguan FT "Mushroom Tuo"
2007 Xiaguan "Gold Ribbon"

Any suggestions?

Why, that's easy. The mushroom is the killer.

[kimble22]

Yum... Just ordered some samples again, but steadily working down the supply, I'll never have a 30 year-old cakes if this keeps happening...

Are there any can't miss cakes I should be getting? Preferably in the 10 year old range? Thanks for the help guys...

BTW, I put this attempt at a blog up earlier but I haven't worked on it in a while, but since things seem slow here you go:

http://fucanglong.blogspot.com/

[Suzuki]

Why, that's easy. The mushroom is the killer.

So true in so many ways...

[ouch]

Yum... Just ordered some samples again, but steadily working down the supply, I'll never have a 30 year-old cakes if this keeps happening...

Are there any can't miss cakes I should be getting? Preferably in the 10 year old range? Thanks for the help guys...

BTW, I put this attempt at a blog up earlier but I haven't worked on it in a while, but since things seem slow here you go:

http://fucanglong.blogspot.com/

I tried to read it, but that's one fucanglong blog. :001_rolle

[Suzuki]

Why, that's easy. The mushroom is the killer.

On Ouch's recommendation, I've gone with the 2008 Xiaguan FT "Mushroom Tuo".

I'm on my 4th infusion and damn is this stuff good, but I get ahead of myself.

On opening the box one is greeted by a cute little mushrooom - the novelty of the shape is nice, and enhanced by the delicious slightly sweet, earthy green aroma. The scent reminds me of a lightly stoved/aged virginia pipe tobacco (or at least my recollection thereof, as its been years since I've smoked a pipe).

I managed to pry off enough leaves for a cup (I may need to invest in a jackhammer for this purpose, as this is one of the most tightly compressed teas I've owned) and then set down to business. If I were ever to have to defend myself with foodstuff, this would likely be my weapon of choice - one could use this as a bludgeon on multiple assailants and still have difficulty breaking off enough to brew a cup of tea afterwards.

On to the tea.

The first infusion resulted in a clear amber brew with just the tiniest tinge of green.

The predominant flavours on the first infusion were a wonderful smoky (in a good way, not like some of the CNNP teas I've had that taste like the back end of a truck) topnote with deep woody, earthy (but not mushromy - is that a word?) notes. There is a touch of sweetness and some dried fruit on the finish.

The second infusion was much like the first, with the smoke toned down just a touch and some of the more delicate flavours coming through.

The third, fourth (and now fifth) infusions are remarkably consistent, with just subtle changes in the flavour profile - as stated above, the smoke, while still quite pronounced is less in your face and the brew is wonderfully balanced.

It is clear that this tea will be extremely long-lived and is one that I will definitely put through its paces through the day.

In addition to being very balanced, the brew from this tea has a wonderful mouth feel and, for me, just the right amount of astringency.

While I've not tried nearly as many teas as others, I find that most of the teas I drink fall into 4 main categories - lousy (may not finish the bing), meh (will finish the bing, but won't order again), decent (would consider ordering again depending on the price), delicious (will buy again and possibly stockpile). This tea definitely fits into the last category - I can generally tell if a tea fits into the lousy or delicious category on the first session (distinguishing between the meh and decent takes more work/time with the tea).

The leaves consist of some broken ones (likely due to to damage caused by my efforts to disloge enough tea for my session) but my overall impression is that the leaves are primarily medium sized and largely intact.

All in all, this tea lives up to its billing and is a definite must try for anyone who is looking for a sheng with this type of smoky, earthy flavour profile. Its a great example of this end of the sheng range and shows the incredible difference that exists between sheng's by different producers/regions. If someone unfamiliar with the world of shengs wee to drink some of this stuff back to back with the vibrant, fruity Yunnan Sourcing's Wild Tree Dehong (one of my favourite every day shengs) they would have a hard time believing that these were both the same "style" of tea.

At $14 - $15 (plus shipping) for a 250g mushroom, this ranks as one of the best price/value teas out there as far as I'm concerned.

[ouch]

Another plus about the FT jincha is that it just doesn't want to quit, delivering as many infusions as you can stand.

That, and it's good to keep under the seat of your car in place of a baseball bat or tire iron.

[netsurfr]

On Ouch's recommendation, I've gone with the 2008 Xiaguan FT "Mushroom Tuo".

On to the tea.

The first infusion resulted in a clear amber brew with just the tiniest tinge of green.

The predominant flavours on the first infusion were a wonderful smoky (in a good way, not like some of the CNNP teas I've had that taste like the back end of a truck) topnote with deep woody, earthy (but not mushromy - is that a word?) notes. There is a touch of sweetness and some dried fruit on the finish.

The second infusion was much like the first, with the smoke toned down just a touch and some of the more delicate flavours coming through.

The third, fourth (and now fifth) infusions are remarkably consistent, with just subtle changes in the flavour profile - as stated above, the smoke, while still quite pronounced is less in your face and the brew is wonderfully balanced.

It is clear that this tea will be extremely long-lived and is one that I will definitely put through its paces through the day.

In addition to being very balanced, the brew from this tea has a wonderful mouth feel and, for me, just the right amount of astringency.

While I've not tried nearly as many teas as others, I find that most of the teas I drink fall into 4 main categories - lousy (may not finish the bing), meh (will finish the bing, but won't order again), decent (would consider ordering again depending on the price), delicious (will buy again and possibly stockpile). This tea definitely fits into the last category - I can generally tell if a tea fits into the lousy or delicious category on the first session (distinguishing between the meh and decent takes more work/time with the tea).

The leaves consist of some broken ones (likely due to to damage caused by my efforts to disloge enough tea for my session) but my overall impression is that the leaves are primarily medium sized and largely intact.

All in all, this tea lives up to its billing and is a definite must try for anyone who is looking for a sheng with this type of smoky, earthy flavour profile. Its a great example of this end of the sheng range and shows the incredible difference that exists between sheng's by different producers/regions. If someone unfamiliar with the world of shengs wee to drink some of this stuff back to back with the vibrant, fruity Yunnan Sourcing's Wild Tree Dehong (one of my favourite every day shengs) they would have a hard time believing that these were both the same "style" of tea.

At $14 - $15 (plus shipping) for a 250g mushroom, this ranks as one of the best price/value teas out there as far as I'm concerned.

Outstanding review and writeup! Thanks for taking the time to record your thoughts.
This is one of my "go-to" teas. I am never disappointed.

[SCWilson]

'07 Xi-Zhi-Hao Autumn Nu Er

I'm on my second infusion right now at work. It isn't bad, but I'm still very new to pu and haven't developed my palet yet.

[ouch]

'07 Xi-Zhi-Hao Autumn Nu Er

I'm on my second infusion right now at work. It isn't bad, but I'm still very new to pu and haven't developed my palet yet.

S. Clay Wilson- well, you're certainly not taking the cheapskate's way out.

Although I'm morally opposed to drinking the same thing on consecutive days, when you're new it's a good idea to stick with one blend that you enjoy until you figure out how to squeeze the most flavor out of it. There's enough diversity within a single (good) bing to keep you busy for a while.

[SCWilson]

S. Clay Wilson- well, you're certainly not taking the cheapskate's way out.

Although I'm morally opposed to drinking the same thing on consecutive days, when you're new it's a good idea to stick with one blend that you enjoy until you figure out how to squeeze the most flavor out of it. There's enough diversity within a single (good) bing to keep you busy for a while.

Ouch,
Thanks for the advise on staying with one blend til I fiugure out how to get the most out of it. Riget now I'm working my way through some samples. I'll be changing how I sample now. I'll finish one sample befor moving one.

I'm open to suggestions for additional samples.

[ouch]

Ouch,
Thanks for the advise on staying with one blend til I fiugure out how to get the most out of it. Riget now I'm working my way through some samples. I'll be changing how I sample now. I'll finish one sample befor moving one.

I'm open to suggestions for additional samples.

PM me your address and I'll send you some of the 0622 that you expressed interest in.



(And I'm going to keep on saying S. Clay Wilson until someone gets it. :lol:)

[Scotto]

2008 Menghai 8582

This has become a solid performer. Nicely bitter in early infusions, and mellowing to a soft peach taste later. Perfect on a hot day.

[Hobbesoxon]

SotD - ung, I'm getting about one tea session per week at the moment. Today: 2008 Baoyan Jincha mushroom loveliness. Simple, but deadly.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[netsurfr]

2003 Jing Mai Round Cake - Tai Lian Tea Factory. Been quite a while since I tried this one. Very nice. This one has a great mouthfeel and a bit of a caffeine kick.

[thanks]

1999 loose sheng maocha. This tastes like hongcha. This looks like slightly fermented hongcha. As a pu'er, this tea is an utter failure, but as a tea in general, it's absolutely fantastic. It seems that someone took some healthy pu'er leaves, partially processed them as hongcha, and let time take care of the rest. Absolutely delicious. Just a touch of sourness, thick soup consistency, and a mellow cha qi. If I could actually find this stuff anywhere to buy for a reasonable price, I'd buy up several hundred grams. Only lasts four infusions, but perfect as an everyday tea.

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan FT Duling Fengsao/ exquisite elegance/ most very cool highest scholarship of excellence

There is joy in Ouchville today. Another winner from the Fei Tai brand. The notion of an upscale Baoyan brick may conjure images of Mike Tyson sipping tea with his pinky extended at The Four Seasons, and I'll admit to having a bit of trepidation when I tried it. Some of the tributes/ reduxes/ resuscitations of famous recipes that I've tried have been less than successful, if not complete bastardizations. Why mess with a proven formula? The Baoyan brick is the perfect antidote to everything from winter doldrums to the flu, so why the black tie version?

For one, it works. It's a tiebing, but not nearly as compressed as one would imagine, and apportioning it isn't as hard as other Xiaguan knuckle busters. It's a hefty bing, too (Duling Fatso?), at a whopping and American friendly 454g. The pound lives! That extra 25+% will come in handy towards the bing's end, and will add roughly 7-18 sessions of drinking pleasure compared to the standard 357g, depending on which end of the official Hobbes-Benny scale you reside.

The first sip provides the gentle Fei Tai reminder of what happens if you fail to pay your tab (their motto- "you can pay us now or you can pay us now"). It's a brutally bitter wallop to the face, even after a rare double rinse, which I normally reserve for the original Baoyan brick, shu, and anything of suspect provenance. The ensuing infusions are far more civilized, dare I say "elegant"? I think part of the charm of the Baoyan brick lies in how they are able to extract so much flavor and personality from such pathetic leaf. The Duling Fengsao still captures that rustic charm, but adds a lot more entertainment value. A keeper.

[P_K]

2008 Xiaguan FT Nan Zhao round cake 454g -

The first sessions with this tea made a ho hum impression on me. However, this one was considerably better. It doesn't have as much straight forward sheng flavor but is unique and flavorful in its own right. Decent cha qi to boot. Now on the second day of this tea it is still putting up some nice brews. It has moved up on my list.

[P_K]

'08 Xiaguan FT Duling Fengsao/ exquisite elegance/ most very cool highest scholarship of excellence

There is joy in Ouchville today. Another winner from the Fei Tai brand. The notion of an upscale Baoyan brick may conjure images of Mike Tyson sipping tea with his pinky extended at The Four Seasons, and I'll admit to having a bit of trepidation when I tried it. Some of the tributes/ reduxes/ resuscitations of famous recipes that I've tried have been less than successful, if not complete bastardizations. Why mess with a proven formula? The Baoyan brick is the perfect antidote to everything from winter doldrums to the flu, so why the black tie version?

For one, it works. It's a tiebing, but not nearly as compressed as one would imagine, and apportioning it isn't as hard as other Xiaguan knuckle busters. It's a hefty bing, too (Duling Fatso?), at a whopping and American friendly 454g. The pound lives! That extra 25+% will come in handy towards the bing's end, and will add roughly 7-18 sessions of drinking pleasure compared to the standard 357g, depending on which end of the official Hobbes-Benny scale you reside.

The first sip provides the gentle Fei Tai reminder of what happens if you fail to pay your tab (their motto- "you can pay us now or you can pay us now"). It's a brutally bitter wallop to the face, even after a rare double rinse, which I normally reserve for the original Baoyan brick, shu, and anything of suspect provenance. The ensuing infusions are far more civilized, dare I say "elegant"? I think part of the charm of the Baoyan brick lies in how they are able to extract so much flavor and personality from such pathetic leaf. The Duling Fengsao still captures that rustic charm, but adds a lot more entertainment value. A keeper.

That stuff is just fantastic. :tongue_sm

[Hobbesoxon]

Haha - classic stuff.

[ouch]

2008 Xiaguan FT Nan Zhao

Which one? The 100g FT Nan Zhao 100g tuo, the FT Nan Zhao Yu 400g cake, or the FT Nan Zhao 454g round cake?
There's always my favorite, the Zhao sisters- identical twins from the local Chinese takeout. One has a degree in math, while the other manages to get by on looks alone. Needless to say, I am forbidden to eat there. :frown:

[netsurfr]

'08 Xiaguan FT Duling Fengsao/ exquisite elegance/ most very cool highest scholarship of excellence

There is joy in Ouchville today. Another winner from the Fei Tai brand. The notion of an upscale Baoyan brick may conjure images of Mike Tyson sipping tea with his pinky extended at The Four Seasons, and I'll admit to having a bit of trepidation when I tried it. Some of the tributes/ reduxes/ resuscitations of famous recipes that I've tried have been less than successful, if not complete bastardizations. Why mess with a proven formula? The Baoyan brick is the perfect antidote to everything from winter doldrums to the flu, so why the black tie version?

For one, it works. It's a tiebing, but not nearly as compressed as one would imagine, and apportioning it isn't as hard as other Xiaguan knuckle busters. It's a hefty bing, too (Duling Fatso?), at a whopping and American friendly 454g. The pound lives! That extra 25+% will come in handy towards the bing's end, and will add roughly 7-18 sessions of drinking pleasure compared to the standard 357g, depending on which end of the official Hobbes-Benny scale you reside.

The first sip provides the gentle Fei Tai reminder of what happens if you fail to pay your tab (their motto- "you can pay us now or you can pay us now"). It's a brutally bitter wallop to the face, even after a rare double rinse, which I normally reserve for the original Baoyan brick, shu, and anything of suspect provenance. The ensuing infusions are far more civilized, dare I say "elegant"? I think part of the charm of the Baoyan brick lies in how they are able to extract so much flavor and personality from such pathetic leaf. The Duling Fengsao still captures that rustic charm, but adds a lot more entertainment value. A keeper.

Now, there is a writeup! Love this stuff myself...

[P_K]

Which one? The 100g FT Nan Zhao 100g tuo, the FT Nan Zhao Yu 400g cake, or the FT Nan Zhao 454g round cake?
There's always my favorite, the Zhao sisters- identical twins from the local Chinese takeout. One has a degree in math, while the other manages to get by on looks alone. Needless to say, I am forbidden to eat there. :frown:

Umm....yeah forgot about that......round cake.......edited. The Zhao twins sound pretty interesting too. No more eye candy for you huh? :biggrin:

[Hobbesoxon]

SotD: 2008 Hailanghao "Ban'E". I have a tong of this, and am happy about it. While it's limited, it's very much my cup of tea: punchy, decent, smoky, yumptious.

I'm concerned about Nadacha, however. He's selling actual Qiaomu for £18, which is entirely reasonable and reflects the costs to him of producing the tea - however, it makes me think "Why am I spending £20 on HLH when Nada sells me Qiaomu for £18?"

I have yet to reach a satisfactory conclusion to my query.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Fatman2]

2009 Lao Ban Zhang Premium Raw Pu-erh tea cake

This tea is potent. Reminds me of the 06 LBZ 100g brick. Smooth and sweet with powerful cha qi. Gives one a flushed face and even stunned expression. :w00t:

[Fatman2]

SotD: 2008 Hailanghao "Ban'E". I have a tong of this, and am happy about it. While it's limited, it's very much my cup of tea: punchy, decent, smoky, yumptious.

I'm concerned about Nadacha, however. He's selling actual Qiaomu for £18, which is entirely reasonable and reflects the costs to him of producing the tea - however, it makes me think "Why am I spending £20 on HLH when Nada sells me Qiaomu for £18?"

I have yet to reach a satisfactory conclusion to my query.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

Hi there Hobbes,

Question is: How do they compare? :confused:

--Fatman2

[Hobbesoxon]

Hi there Hobbes,

Question is: How do they compare? :confused:

--Fatman2

Hey there - are you ST by any chance? If so, welcome! If not, welcome anyway! :chinese:

I like the Nadacha 2009s that I've tried - an Yiwu and a Nannuo (qiaomu). I've yet to try the Naka and Bulang, but they're on the their way. For the price, it's ab-so-lutely unreal.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Salsero]

Hey there - are you ST by any chance? He kinda looks like Seb around the eyes. My welcome too!

[ouch]

Fatman2 is......... :confused:

[Salsero]

Fatman2 is......... :confused: If you see him walking around with Davelcorp and carrying a big ole Fu Hai "Yiwu Large Leaf" Ripe, it's the the same sheng-o-holic. (http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?p=73804&highlight=fuhai#73804)

[ouch]

If you see him walking around with Davelcorp and carrying a big ole Fu Hai "Yiwu Large Leaf" Ripe, it's the the same sheng-o-holic. (http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?p=73804&highlight=fuhai#73804)

Ah, Tea Chat.
I'll have to check them out some day.

[netsurfr]

Hi there Hobbes,

Question is: How do they compare? :confused:

--Fatman2

Welcome Fatman2!
Glad to have another tea enthusiast in the group. You will find that you are in great company. OK, maybe just good company, but we enjoy our passions... or was that additions... nevermind.

[Salsero]

Ouch: You may want to avoid a pretty little guy there named Tony Shlongini. He has an outrageous sense of humor. :lol:

[arghblech]

2005 Xiaguan Cang 'Er tuo

After my last session with this (think bitterness to the point of suffering), and a second poor session with another sample, I managed to put myself off sheng for about 3 weeks.

Today I got back on the horse.

7g into my 100mL gaiwan. The first 6 or so infusions were about as fast as I can do them. That's about 7s from the first drop hitting the leaves to the last drops leaving the gaiwan. After that I went another 8 infusions getting to about 5 minutes before stopping.

This time around was different. This tea feels dangerous. I always felt like that bitterness was lurking 2s further into the infusions. I could taste it there waiting for me to slip up. This session felt like careening around the cliff-side curves of a mountain road in sports car with two wheels in the air! You know you're about to die a fiery death but you miraculously manage to make it around each time.

This, for me, is a daredevil's tea. I may need to get more :biggrin:

[Fatman2]

Welcome Fatman2!
Glad to have another tea enthusiast in the group. You will find that you are in great company. OK, maybe just good company, but we enjoy our passions... or was that additions... nevermind.
Thanks Steve. Nice group of people here. :)

[Fatman2]

Hey there - are you ST by any chance? If so, welcome! If not, welcome anyway! :chinese:

I like the Nadacha 2009s that I've tried - an Yiwu and a Nannuo (qiaomu). I've yet to try the Naka and Bulang, but they're on the their way. For the price, it's ab-so-lutely unreal.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes
Hihi.

Yup, its the same ST. :)

[netsurfr]

Thanks Steve. Nice group of people here. :)

At first I thought you were an insomniac like myself! Then I notice that you are half a world away. Hope you are having a great afternoon.

[Fatman2]

He kinda looks like Seb around the eyes. My welcome too!
Thanks Sal. Haha, now I am carrying a small piece of 09 LBZ. Good stuff. :)

[Fatman2]

Haha. What time is it over there? Super warm and humid afternoon in Singapore. Great to age puerh but I need to hide in an air-conditioned room. :P

Going to get my puerh fix of a nice guan zi zai nannuo in a moment. Cheers.

[netsurfr]

Haha. What time is it over there? Super warm and humid afternoon in Singapore. Great to age puerh but I need to hide in an air-conditioned room. :P

Going to get my puerh fix of a nice guan zi zai nannuo in a moment. Cheers.

3:40 in the morning here.
Having a bit of mid 80's pu-erh that I picked up from David at nadacha.

EDIT: This tea was a wolf in sheep's clothing. It had a very mild smooth flavor that was like silk on the palate. It had subtle flavors of sweet fruits and the aroma of leather and vanilla. So, I was into about infusion number 8 and suddenly I thought my head had detached from my shoulders and was flying about the room like a deflating balloon. I was having a bigger caffeine buzz than I ever had from Turkish coffee in northern Cypress. So, I thought how long can this last? Don't ask questions that you don't want to know the answer to. Four hours later, I was still buzzing about the house working and cleaning like someone with their hair on fire. I took the dogs for a two hour walk and after 6 hours was finally coming down from my caffeine mainline experience. Sheese, wish I could remember which of the six aged samples from nadacha I used in that session. On the bright side, that tea probably has another 8-10 infusions in it. Can't wait to see how it acts after most of the caffeine has been rinsed away. Looking forward to some additional subtleties.

[SCWilson]

No internet at the how at the moment so here's my Sheng of the Long Weekend:

Saturday: Finished of my '08 Guoyan "Deep Mountain, Old Tree". I had about 8 sessions gaiwan half full of leaves. Nice bitterness with hints of citrus (or maybe lemongrass) though a bit harsh. Good tea. So far this has become my baseline.

Sunday: '08 Guoyan "Queen of YiWu". This was better than the "Deep Mountain, Old Tree". More citrus flavors, no harshness, a nice tart tea. about 8 sessions.

Monday: 08 Guoyan "Queen of YiWu". These sessions were better than Sunday's. About 10 sessions.

[ouch]

2005 Xiaguan Cang 'Er tuo

After my last session with this (think bitterness to the point of suffering), and a second poor session with another sample, I managed to put myself off sheng for about 3 weeks.

Today I got back on the horse.

7g into my 100mL gaiwan. The first 6 or so infusions were about as fast as I can do them. That's about 7s from the first drop hitting the leaves to the last drops leaving the gaiwan. After that I went another 8 infusions getting to about 5 minutes before stopping.

This time around was different. This tea feels dangerous. I always felt like that bitterness was lurking 2s further into the infusions. I could taste it there waiting for me to slip up. This session felt like careening around the cliff-side curves of a mountain road in sports car with two wheels in the air! You know you're about to die a fiery death but you miraculously manage to make it around each time.

This, for me, is a daredevil's tea. I may need to get more :biggrin:

You may want to stay away from the FT blends. :lol:

[ouch]

'06 Changtai seventy sumthin' sumpthin' sunpthin' (the ink got smudged)

Very nice. A lighter, yet delightful sheng.

[Scotto]

2008 Mengku Shuangjiang Bingdao spring Cake

Mengku teas don't get that much play 'round these parts, but I like them a lot. This tea is a nice change of pace from the tobacco/smoke of Xiaguan and the like. It is a mushroom/hay tea all the way - complex and light bodied.

[Fatman2]

07 Shuangjiang Mengku MuYeChun001. Nice and smooth.
02 Yiwu Raw Brick. Powerful.

I am prepared to share a few free samples of the 02 yiwu. Anyone interested, please send pm with email so that I can contact you for mailing address. First 4 respondents. Hobbes will get some regardless. Sal too if you like.
:wink2:

[ouch]

07 Shuangjiang Mengku MuYeChun001. Nice and smooth.
02 Yiwu Raw Brick. Powerful.

I am prepared to share a few free samples of the 02 yiwu. Anyone interested, please send pm with email so that I can contact you for mailing address. First 4 respondents. Hobbes will get some regardless. Sal too if you like.
:wink2:

What a wonderful offer. I'll pass, but thanks!

'08 Xiaguan FT Duling Banjaos :001_tt2:
Mmm, that's good.

[arghblech]

You may want to stay away from the FT blends. :lol:

Today's sheng was the 2008 Xiaguan FT Nan Zhou Round.

A pretty tasty tea in my book. While it did have some bitterness it was easily controlled. Very little astringency. The lack of astringency is really different from that Cang 'Er which was loaded with both.

[Scotto]

2008 Hai Lang Hao Lao Ban Zhang and Man'E

I can't believe anyone likes this overpriced crap. Nasty, nasty stuff. :18:

My $0.02, of course. :001_tt2:

[thanks]

1996 8582. Sometimes simple is better.

[ouch]

2008 Hai Lang Hao Lao Ban Zhang and Man'E

I can't believe anyone likes this overpriced crap. Nasty, nasty stuff. :18:

My $0.02, of course. :001_tt2:

I enjoyed looking at some of those big, leathery leaves. The flavor was decent, but nothing special. I would buy a bing.........
at $15

[Salsero]

07 Shuangjiang Mengku MuYeChun001. Nice and smooth.
02 Yiwu Raw Brick. Powerful.

I am prepared to share a few free samples of the 02 yiwu. Anyone interested, please send pm with email so that I can contact you for mailing address. First 4 respondents. Hobbes will get some regardless. Sal too if you like.
:wink2: Sounds great! I've PM'd my details. Thank you again for your great generosity, love of tea, and love of people!

I also found the 2007 Mu Ye Chun light, but aromatic, oily, with a nice character and aftertaste. I was unable to work up as much enthusiasm about the 2008 the one or two times I have tried it so far. Maybe love will blossom later, since I have a whole cake to drink through.

[netsurfr]

07 Shuangjiang Mengku MuYeChun001. Nice and smooth.
02 Yiwu Raw Brick. Powerful.

I am prepared to share a few free samples of the 02 yiwu. Anyone interested, please send pm with email so that I can contact you for mailing address. First 4 respondents. Hobbes will get some regardless. Sal too if you like.
:wink2:

Very generous of you. I hate to burden you with the postage to the US so I will decline but THANK YOU very much!

[kimble22]

07 Shuangjiang Mengku MuYeChun001. Nice and smooth.
02 Yiwu Raw Brick. Powerful.

I am prepared to share a few free samples of the 02 yiwu. Anyone interested, please send pm with email so that I can contact you for mailing address. First 4 respondents. Hobbes will get some regardless. Sal too if you like.



I PMed you. Thanks a ton!

[P_K]

2008 Hai Lang Hao Lao Ban Zhang and Man'E

I can't believe anyone likes this overpriced crap. Nasty, nasty stuff. :18:

My $0.02, of course. :001_tt2:

Thats why I have no earthly reason to believe that those new HLH cakes are worth $80. Just because a wine estate releases a low production single vineyard wine for $100 doesn't mean its worth it. Its a game.

[Salsero]

Thats why I have no earthly reason to believe that those new HLH cakes are worth $80.

+1

I've enjoyed some HLH in the past, but I suspect it has become a market event. There are always people standing in line to pay big money for a mediocre product if it has been hyped enough.

[Hobbesoxon]

07 Shuangjiang Mengku MuYeChun001. Nice and smooth.
02 Yiwu Raw Brick. Powerful.

I am prepared to share a few free samples of the 02 yiwu. Anyone interested, please send pm with email so that I can contact you for mailing address. First 4 respondents. Hobbes will get some regardless. Sal too if you like.

Woo - thanks, K :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. Those new HLH are quite expensive! They'll be the first HLH that I'm not buying.

[nancho]

hi i am new here.

SOTD - MYC old tree 2008.
nice, refreshing and complex



nancho

[ouch]

Welcome aboard, nancho.

'06 XG Camg 'Er tuo

When the crushing bitterness dissipates, there isn't as much going on to keep my interest as I would like. Good, but that's about it.
A disappointment overall, given the hype.

[Fatman2]

Sounds great! I've PM'd my details. Thank you again for your great generosity, love of tea, and love of people!

I also found the 2007 Mu Ye Chun light, but aromatic, oily, with a nice character and aftertaste. I was unable to work up as much enthusiasm about the 2008 the one or two times I have tried it so far. Maybe love will blossom later, since I have a whole cake to drink through.

Got it. On the way next week. :wink:

[Fatman2]

Woo - thanks, K :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. Those new HLH are quite expensive! They'll be the first HLH that I'm not buying.

They (HLH) should arrive by this week. Will send you some to try. :w00t: