SOTD- sheng of the day

[ouch]

I figure this title will be more annoying to those already perplexed by the numerous pu'er threads floating around. If you'd like, I can always change it to "Tea time with Toodlepip". :001_rolle

9/25
'07 Xi Zhi Hao 8582
6g, 140ml yixing- 15s, 15s, 25s, 40s, 50s, that's all, folks.

This was very nice, and better than the XZH dragon and phoenix I have. Their take on a classic recipe results in something completely different from the other 8582's I've tried. It's by no means a high end sheng, but it was delightful while it lasted, which was not all that long. I don't think this is one to hide away for a decade, but it's very approachable now.

Who's next?

[R-James]

2006 12 Gentlemen Da Ba Hao

100ml Gaiwan 8g

10s, 15s, 15s, 25s, 40s, 60s, Picking this up at breakfast, the tea is not done with me.

First 3 or 4 gaiwan fulls were rather too on the bitter side but that is possibly mainly due to me breaking up a lot of the leaves in frustration at not being able to find my tuocha pick [in a guitar case of al places!!!]

Nice tea but not as good as the 12 gent 2006 yiwu that I also have sampled.

[ouch]

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

[R-James]

Of course I'm 1st... I have my emails on my mobile alerting me... either that or the red/tea phone was flashing!!!

the 8g was kind of excessive yes, maybe less leaves next time, but I wanted to try the hobbes uberleaves method of gong fu cha.


This thread is so going to render a lot of newbs supremely confuzzled

[Scotto]

2007 Spring Yiwu Arbor Mao Cha from puerh shop.

120mL gaiwan, about 1/2 filled with dry leaves. One rinse, then a few seconds each infusion.

Sweet, simple, boring. This is one of my work maochas; I am not looking for deep, intellectual brews there, just something simple and warming. I wouldn't buy more of this, however- it is overpriced.

[papasmurf]

I figure this title will be more annoying to those already perplexed by the numerous pu'er threads floating around. If you'd like, I can always change it to "Tea time with Toodlepip". :001_rolle

9/25
'07 Xi Zhi Hao 8582
6g, 140ml yixing- 15s, 15s, 25s, 40s, 50s, that's all, folks.

This was very nice, and better than the XZH dragon and phoenix I have. Their take on a classic recipe results in something completely different from the other 8582's I've tried. It's by no means a high end sheng, but it was delightful while it lasted, which was not all that long. I don't think this is one to hide away for a decade, but it's very approachable now.

Who's next?


Please explain what those numbers mean for us newbies

[Proinsias]

Steep times in seconds, lots of good quality tea in a small pot can give 10 or 20 infusions.

English style brewing goes something like 3gr of tea, 1 litre pot, 3mins brewing time and one brew of the leaf.

Chinese style is more like 5gr tea, 120ml pot, brewing times 5s, 3s, 5s, 5s, 8s, 10s ......... up to 12 hr brews which are a nice wake up for the morning.

Tiny pots, lots of tea, lots of steeps. A little like trying to shave with one pass and cheap throwaway or stretching out a shave over 4 or so passes with some quality equipment and enjoying it.

[papasmurf]

Thanks for the info Gary

[ouch]

I understand that Hobbes is in the process of breaking in his new teapot, which holds a single leaf. :001_rolle

[Proinsias]

I had a random new sheng from, I think, pu-erh shop today along with some divine roasted tie guan yin.

I realised I'm paying more attention to the ludicrous amount of pu-erh info out there than I am to the pu-erh these days. The solution has been twenty or so zip lock bags with just young sheng, no info, in them. I pick a bag at random when I have a want for pu-erh. Hopefully I'll come back from this venture in a few months with a much better pu-palette.

[Suzuki]

I had some '08 Menghai 8582.

Don't know the size of my pot - a trip will be made to Chinatown this weekend to get a gaiwan , but I used approximately 1/4 of a potful of leaves.

A very nice, bright, slightly sweet, smooth straightforward tea that I would buy a cake or two of as a good work tea - at about $10 for a cake its good value for the money for a basic sheng.

[Hobbesoxon]

9/25
'07 Xi Zhi Hao 8582
6g, 140ml yixing- 15s, 15s, 25s, 40s, 50s, that's all, folks.

This was very nice, and better than the XZH dragon and phoenix I have. Their take on a classic recipe results in something completely different from the other 8582's I've tried. It's by no means a high end sheng, but it was delightful while it lasted, which was not all that long. I don't think this is one to hide away for a decade, but it's very approachable now.

Who's next?

Great thread!

I love the 2007 8582 (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/08/2007-xizihao-8582.html). Tasty. I grabbed a tong of it, and absolutely refuse to pay $145 for last year's tea.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

2006 12 Gentlemen Da Ba Hao

100ml Gaiwan 8g

10s, 15s, 15s, 25s, 40s, 60s, Picking this up at breakfast, the tea is not done with me.

First 3 or 4 gaiwan fulls were rather too on the bitter side but that is possibly mainly due to me breaking up a lot of the leaves in frustration at not being able to find my tuocha pick [in a guitar case of al places!!!]

Nice tea but not as good as the 12 gent 2006 yiwu that I also have sampled.

Big numbers there! I suspect that's where the bitterness is coming from. You might want to try with a little less than 8g, and definitely start all your teas with a flash in-and-out brewing. 10s then 15s is going to make it taste rather hardcore. :)

I tend to do instant (i.e., 0s) infusions to start with, and then start lengthening the infusions (usually on the 3rd or 4th infusion) when it feels like it needs a bit more punch.

I've not tried that Dabaihao, the photos are pretty. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

2007 Spring Yiwu Arbor Mao Cha from puerh shop.

Sweet, simple, boring. This is one of my work maochas; I am not looking for deep, intellectual brews there, just something simple and warming. I wouldn't buy more of this, however- it is overpriced.

Good thinking, I like these "everyday" maocha for the office. Simple, low-maintenance, sweet and fresh. I've tried taking better teas to my workplace, and I just don't appreciate them there.

Conversely, I've had some teas that were really average at the home tea-table, but which turned out to be pretty smooth when brewed longer, with less attention, at the office.



I had a random new sheng from, I think, pu-erh shop today along with some divine roasted tie guan yin.

I realised I'm paying more attention to the ludicrous amount of pu-erh info out there than I am to the pu-erh these days. The solution has been twenty or so zip lock bags with just young sheng, no info, in them. I pick a bag at random when I have a want for pu-erh. Hopefully I'll come back from this venture in a few months with a much better pu-palette.

I like this approach! It's always good to turn the volume down on all that pu'er "knowledge" and just get to grips with the tea yourself. I applaud you, m'lud!



I had some '08 Menghai 8582.

A very nice, bright, slightly sweet, smooth straightforward tea that I would buy a cake or two of as a good work tea - at about $10 for a cake its good value for the money for a basic sheng.

On my "to do" list is to get more acquainted with this year's Menghai recipes. They say the quality has picked up since the "wilderness years" of 2005-2006; do you think that's the case?

I like the Menghai recipes, because their prices are pretty much set in stone. No unethical vendor is going to start charging > $100 for a standard Menghai recipe just because everyone knows their real worth. Wouldn't it be nice if that were the case for all cakes? :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

P.s. I forgot to answer the point of the post: it's a 2008 Xiaguan "Hongloumeng" tuocha for me, this morning. While not an FT release (it's "Big G"), it's not bad. The entire tuocha costs exactly the same as a pint of beer. Zesty!

Now I'm in my office, and am finding a certain thickness in the body that I didn't see at home. It's not bad at all.

YS photos until mine get out of the camera:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/teefanatiker/xiaguan/2008_xg_dreamredmansion_box.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/teefanatiker/xiaguan/2008_xg_dreamredmansion_tuob.jpg

[R-James]

Big numbers there! I suspect that's where the bitterness is coming from. You might want to try with a little less than 8g, and definitely start all your teas with a flash in-and-out brewing. 10s then 15s is going to make it taste rather hardcore. :)

I tend to do instant (i.e., 0s) infusions to start with, and then start lengthening the infusions (usually on the 3rd or 4th infusion) when it feels like it needs a bit more punch.

I've not tried that Dabaihao, the photos are pretty. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes


This evening I will be drinking 12 Gentlemen Yiwu and I will substantially reduce leaves and brew times.

I'll report back when I'm on with the tea session/

[Scotto]

At work this AM. 2007 Xi Zi Hao Dragon & Phoenix

100mL gaiwan, 7g leaf, one rinse
I don't really measure steep times, but they are a few breaths

I think I could tell a XZH tea by its aroma alone, it is distinctive. Sweet mushroom, delicate, one-dimensional. The lid scent is wet tobacco and grass. I much prefer the 8582 from the same year.

[R-James]

Bamboo wrapped Yuole - 2008

4g Leaves, 100ml Gaiwan

0s 0s 5s 7s 10s 12s 14s then I stopped counting.

I took this this afternoon over the yiwu, and I can tell you reducing my leaves and steep times this tea is not as bad as I 1st thought, Decent amount of sweetness compared to last time and the bitter note has reduced greatly. Still not super, but easy to drink while job hunting.

[ouch]

Despite my two week broken foot setback, I've resumed running, and should still be on track for my thousand mile goal for the year. This calls for increased hydration, and Gatorade is for weenies.

'05 Menghai 7542
~5g, 130ml yixing, 10s, 10s, 20s, 35s, 50s, 90s
Steady Freddy. This was my very first bing, and I based the purchase on fame of recipe and age of cake (:w00t: I know, it was a whopping three years old :lol:).
Faint wisps of tobacco, penetrating bitterness, mounting sweetness. Overpriced at this point in time, but an old favorite, at least as a learning experience.

[Hobbesoxon]

At work this AM. 2007 Xi Zi Hao Dragon & Phoenix

I think I could tell a XZH tea by its aroma alone, it is distinctive. Sweet mushroom, delicate, one-dimensional. The lid scent is wet tobacco and grass. I much prefer the 8582 from the same year.

I can't believe that I've had this cake for a year and only tried it once. Thanks for the reminder! My original notes (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/08/2007-xizihao-longfeng.html) weren't too complimentary - heaven knows why I bought it... :)



Bamboo wrapped Yuole - 2008

I took this this afternoon over the yiwu, and I can tell you reducing my leaves and steep times this tea is not as bad as I 1st thought, Decent amount of sweetness compared to last time and the bitter note has reduced greatly. Still not super, but easy to drink while job hunting.

I'm watching the postbox, eagerly!




Faint wisps of tobacco, penetrating bitterness, mounting sweetness. Overpriced at this point in time, but an old favorite, at least as a learning experience.

Sweet with tobacco sounds like a very decent 7542 - where did you buy this one? :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Suzuki]

On my "to do" list is to get more acquainted with this year's Menghai recipes. They say the quality has picked up since the "wilderness years" of 2005-2006; do you think that's the case?

I like the Menghai recipes, because their prices are pretty much set in stone. No unethical vendor is going to start charging > $100 for a standard Menghai recipe just because everyone knows their real worth. Wouldn't it be nice if that were the case for all cakes? :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

I've just had a sample and have no frame of reference - good value for the money.

If you tell me which of the Menghais you're interested in trying, I'll pick some up from YS and that will be my contribution to the tea roundtable.

[joel]

I decided to pull something from the cabinet this morning and give it a go again. Yunnan CNNP Grand Red Label 8668.

Good.... but i'm still a "green man."

[Scotto]

I can't believe that I've had this cake for a year and only tried it once. Thanks for the reminder! My original notes (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/08/2007-xizihao-longfeng.html) weren't too complimentary - heaven knows why I bought it... :)




I'm watching the postbox, eagerly!




Sweet with tobacco sounds like a very decent 7542 - where did you buy this one? :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes
If this is from the bing Jay sent me a sample of, it was the 2005 Dayi from puerhshop. I really liked this, and am planning to pick some more up.

[Scotto]

I decided to pull something from the cabinet this morning and give it a go again. Yunnan CNNP Grand Red Label 8668.

Good.... but i'm still a "green man."

We don't want you in our club anyway. :001_tt2:

[ouch]

I can't believe that I've had this cake for a year and only tried it once. Thanks for the reminder! My original notes (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/08/2007-xizihao-longfeng.html) weren't too complimentary - heaven knows why I bought it... :)

Perhaps for the same reason I did- it was a XZH and it was cheap. :lol:


Sweet with tobacco sounds like a very decent 7542 - where did you buy this one? :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

See below. Not really all that sweet, especially in the first brews where a bit more sweetness would be welcome. It does improve by the fourth or fifth infusion, though.


If this is from the bing Jay sent me a sample of, it was the 2005 Dayi from puerhshop. I really liked this, and am planning to pick some more up.

That's the one. I paid $25, and shortly thereafter he was selling it for $36. I pointed out that was a pretty fast 44% bump, and he has since reduced it to $29. I would buy one to put away for a few years, but I'm still in the "there are so many things to buy that I can't abide any duplicates" phase. Even if they ultimately turn out to be nothing special, I can't think of two factories that are "blue chippers" more than Menghai and Xiaguan.

[Suzuki]

If you gents give me some Menghai or other requests and the winner will be what I send around.

Which other e-bay vendors/e-tailers do you guys recommend besides YS?

[Rorschuck]

Wow, you tea guys have your own secret code and everything!


I figure this title will be more annoying to those already perplexed by the numerous pu'er threads floating around. If you'd like, I can always change it to "Tea time with Toodlepip". :001_rolle

9/25
'07 Xi Zhi Hao 8582
6g, 140ml yixing- 15s, 15s, 25s, 40s, 50s, that's all, folks.

This was very nice, and better than the XZH dragon and phoenix I have. Their take on a classic recipe results in something completely different from the other 8582's I've tried. It's by no means a high end sheng, but it was delightful while it lasted, which was not all that long. I don't think this is one to hide away for a decade, but it's very approachable now.

Who's next?

[Howard Newell]

Do you really think that most of us are communicating in code for tea? Hah!

[ouch]

Wow, you tea guys have your own secret code and everything!

You didn't get your B&B decoder ring yet?

[Hobbesoxon]

If you gents give me some Menghai or other requests and the winner will be what I send around.

Which other e-bay vendors/e-tailers do you guys recommend besides YS?

2008 Menghai 8582 gets my vote! I'd love to see what this year's version is like, as it's usually a grand recipe. :chinese:

Thanks for the kind offer, Chris!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

That's the one. I paid $25, and shortly thereafter he was selling it for $36. I pointed out that was a pretty fast 44% bump, and he has since reduced it to $29. I would buy one to put away for a few years, but I'm still in the "there are so many things to buy that I can't abide any duplicates" phase. Even if they ultimately turn out to be nothing special, I can't think of two factories that are "blue chippers" more than Menghai and Xiaguan.

I shouldn't criticise vendors - but I want to! I understand that it's a business, and that everyone's just trying to make a living. I understand that it's a free market, and a vendor should be able to charge whatever he likes. I understand that we have absolutely no inalienable right to expect certain levels of pricing.

However, I am really annoyed by huge price-hikes the minute a tea passes the 2-year mark. Sometimes, it's even faster than that. Again, every vendor is free to do as they please. However, I shall defend my right to complain loudly about prices!

Don't get me started on Xizihao! :wink:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. "Blue chip" is just right for Menghai and Xiaguan, I do agree. I'm a bit skeptical about some of the processing that seems to occur - as a French teachum once wrote so wisely, "It's nice to get conned by Menghai sometimes."

[ouch]

P.s. "Blue chip" is just right for Menghai and Xiaguan, I do agree. I'm a bit skeptical about some of the processing that seems to occur - as a French teachum once wrote so wisely, "It's nice to get conned by Menghai sometimes."

If memory serves, I recall someone's calling them "cheeky devils." :tongue_sm

[ouch]

For the afternoon-

'08 Banga Gong, T. Rex collection*
5g, 100ml gaiwan, 10s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s, sayanara
This ripe pu was much more heavily, well, I don't quite know what the term is. In the world of matured Virginia tobacco, it would be considered heavily "stoved". In any event, it appears to have been cooked/fermented/whatever far more than the average shu- night and day from the light Xiaguan cooked tuos. Fairly monolithic, but that seems to be the case with most shu. Pretty rich, like a cuppa joe.












*Just seeing if anyone's paying attention. Is was an '08 Menghai 7572 ripe.

[ouch]

But honest, honey, I thought they were serving the new Menghai Peacock of Bada that Hobbes was raving about. I swear, I had no idea.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Menghai-Peacock-of-Bada-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-400g_W0QQitemZ350089102245QQihZ022QQcategoryZ38181 QQcmdZViewItem

http://gonyc.about.com/graphics/gallery/soprano8.jpg












I'll stop now.

[Rorschuck]

You didn't get your B&B decoder ring yet?

No; I got it, but I can't figure out how to take it off 'stun'...

[Scotto]

For the afternoon-

'08 Banga Gong, T. Rex collection*
5g, 100ml gaiwan, 10s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s, sayanara
This ripe pu was much more heavily, well, I don't quite know what the term is. In the world of matured Virginia tobacco, it would be considered heavily "stoved". In any event, it appears to have been cooked/fermented/whatever far more than the average shu- night and day from the light Xiaguan cooked tuos. Fairly monolithic, but that seems to be the case with most shu. Pretty rich, like a cuppa joe.












*Just seeing if anyone's paying attention. Is was an '08 Menghai 7572 ripe.

FOUL! This is sheng of the day, not shu of the day. You're in the wrong thread, buddy! Moderator, moderator! :detective::letterk1:

[ouch]

You are correct, my friend. I did post a sheng earlier, but I know, I kow- no excuses.

[Hobbesoxon]

I wish petrol stations in the UK served Bada bing!

This morning, the 2002 Hailanghao "Qiaomu". Fairly priced at Yunnan Sourcing, at something like $25-$30, because it's fun but limited. I like it because it's the first ever cake of the Hailanghao brand - and it feels like it. Rough, experimental, over-processed. I love the brand, so it's great seeing where they started out. Even the wrapper is charmingly naive!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

That's not petrol they're serving. :001_rolle

Hoy:
2006 Haiwan Pure Purple Bud raw.
~5, 150ml yixing, 15s (whoops), 5s, 5s, 10, 20, 35s, hasta lumbago.
I normally shy away from "gimmicky" sounding products, as it is often a last gasp attempt to move an item that would be otherwise unsellable. So I was surprised that I liked this one as much as I did. It's on the spirited side, and seems to brew past the point of vibrancy into the world of unpalatable astringency. The piercing bitterness makes it difficult to pick up the different flavors, but there seems to be a decent amount going on. Interesting.

[Hobbesoxon]

2006 Haiwan Pure Purple Bud raw.
~5, 150ml yixing, 15s (whoops), 5s, 5s, 10, 20, 35s, hasta lumbago.
I normally shy away from "gimmicky" sounding products, as it is often a last gasp attempt to move an item that would be otherwise unsellable.

What was the gimmick for this one? :)

I rather like purple-leaf teas, they can be very fruity. I'm sure you've tried the Dehong bricks!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

What was the gimmick for this one? :)

I rather like purple-leaf teas, they can be very fruity. I'm sure you've tried the Dehong bricks!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

Guess again- haven't tried the Dehongs yet.

I thought the purple leaf was the gimmick- feet of crab, purple leaf, emperor's eyebrow....

I'd certainly be willing to try more. This one was nice.

[Jim]

Ok I'm throwing down the gauntlet!


Who is going to do a tea tutorial for the B&B?



http://www.beau-coup.com/Pictures/blog/tea_ceremony.jpg

[Hobbesoxon]

Guess again- haven't tried the Dehongs yet.

I thought the purple leaf was the gimmick- feet of crab, purple leaf, emperor's eyebrow....

I'd certainly be willing to try more. This one was nice.

I see! No, the purple-leaf can either be obtained (as far as I understand) from either lack of shade, or from regional varietals. I don't get the impression that they are built to last through the decades, but the fresh fruitiness is really lovely for me. Yunnan Sourcing's Dehong bricks are a popular pick in this category, and there are some bingcha from actual factories too.

Tasty stuff!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Suzuki]

Guess again- haven't tried the Dehongs yet.

I thought the purple leaf was the gimmick- feet of crab, purple leaf, emperor's eyebrow....

I'd certainly be willing to try more. This one was nice.

You're getting your wish, there's a sample of the 2008 YS Dehong in the care package that went out to you earlier this week.

R-James, I also threw in a sample with the bamboo-packed tea from YS that's heading your way.

I quite like the 2008 YS Dehong - again, my frame of reference isn't that great, but its very nice, fruity, mouth-filling stuff. Nothing too serious, so good for the office, but nice enough for a weekend afternoon or evening tea where you want something light and refreshing, but with some body to it.

At $25 for a 500g brick, its reasonably good value and I'll be ordering a second brick with my next order.

[ouch]

I see! No, the purple-leaf can either be obtained (as far as I understand) from either lack of shade, or from regional varietals. I don't get the impression that they are built to last through the decades, but the fresh fruitiness is really lovely for me. Yunnan Sourcing's Dehong bricks are a popular pick in this category, and there are some bingcha from actual factories too.

Tasty stuff!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

Thanks. Perhaps my bs meter pegged because it seems to be a product routinely pushed at puerhshop, and always at the low end.

[ouch]

You're getting your wish, there's a sample of the 2008 YS Dehong in the care package that went out to you earlier this week.

Woohoo! Thanks!



At $25 for a 500g brick, its reasonably good value and I'll be ordering a second brick with my next order.

I'm amazed at what bargains shengs are in general. A twenty dollar bing translates to roughly $25 per pound, which barely gets you a 5th grade oolong at Ten Tea or someplace similar. Their top teas are the equivalent of $200+ bings, and often no more satisfying than a pedestrian sheng. In retrospect, I was nuts to buy anything over $50 a pound, a mistake I made time and again. Unless it's a rare green, a good example of a dahongpao, or an out of this world dancong, I don't see much of anything other than pu'er in my future.

[Scotto]

2003 Yi-Chan-Hao Yi-Ban Wild Arbor Cake (http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=273&zenid=4551aa559bfb06caf654b08615200221)
7g in 100ml Yixing. Many infusions.

Man, I love this stuff. This is the last of my sample from Hou De, and there are no cakes to be found anymore. It reminds me of coca-cola syrup without the sugar. Sweet, perfect acidity, fruity, caramel. A nice astringency and just the right amount of bitterness. A really dynamic tea. I don't think this one has legs for the long haul, but it is drinking really well right now.

I am a big fan of the Changtai factory. This is one of their best, IMO.

[R-James]

No tea today, I bought my 1st briar so tea + aromatics didn't sound too good in my head.

[Suzuki]

Yi Wu Mountain Bamboo

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Yi-Wu-Mountain-Bamboo-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-Loose-500g_W0QQitemZ350071909267QQihZ022QQcategoryZ38181 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

This is a YS exclusive - they take Yi Wu tea, lightly compress it into lengths of bamboo and then bake them in an oven room (as is done for cakes of sheng to prevent mould from forming).

This results in an interesting tea that, while clearly a sheng, has some shu notes.

The tea brews a lovely copper coloured liquor that has a light sweetness and some delicate citrus/herbacious notes - however, this is backed with faint earthy/mushroomy notes that give the tea some additional depth and a heavier /fuller mouth feel. The first brew has a touch of bitterness that smooths out with subsequent brews.

I'm just part way through the session, but I've used an amout of leaves approximately equivalent to 1/4 of the volume of my brewing vessel (I still haven't picked up a gaiwan, so am brewing into a small tea cup using a stainless steel strainer).

This is only the second session with this tea, but I am quite enjoying it - its definitely different from the other shengs I've tried and the shu notes make for a nice change and a tea that is great for after dinner.

[R-James]

A spot of AFI's 2006 album Decemberunderground and some earthy 12 Gentleman Chun ya shen yun

100ml Gaiwan 5g

Didn't time my infusions I'm more by feel with this tea, it is relitavely cheap but tasty and relaxing for an unhurried but slightly chilly Sunday morning.




EDIT: I know I had shu in a sheng thread, but there is no need for a shu of the day thread as well!

[Hobbesoxon]

Some of the famous blends are sheng-shu, it's a popular choice. :)

Today - 2003 Munming Tailian "Yuancha" - a real patchwork blend, but it all works nicely together.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

Just back from the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. Yum. Time for a palate cleanser.

2007 Xi Zi Hao 8582, 8g in 100mL Yixing. Many infusions

Tastes like multi-grain bread spread with apricot preserves. Very nice.

[Hobbesoxon]

Just back from the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. Yum. Time for a palate cleanser.

2007 Xi Zi Hao 8582, 8g in 100mL Yixing. Many infusions

Tastes like multi-grain bread spread with apricot preserves. Very nice.

Despite my intentions, I've still forgotten about this tea every time I brew up. Next time, Gadget, next time...

(Great description, by the way. I really want this tea now!)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

Ah: 2007 Xizihao 8582.

Just like Scotto said - bread with apricot preserve. It's quite distinct. A lovely description, thank you!

It's getting smokier as it continues. Very low and pleasant.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

'06 Mengku early spring, from puershop
Brewed ugly American style- 250ml yixing

Wow, if the spring harvest is good, what could be better than early spring? Unless, of course, that phrase is yet another misnomer in the wacky world of pu'er. Turns out it means the less than desirable winter harvest. Reminds me of the last time someone handed me box seats to a Mets game, only to discover that I wound up sitting behind Bob Uecker. :001_rolle
"Honey, I got us a great deal on a summer rental at the shore. It's late summer- November."

No matter. The tea was delightful. Jim at PS may scour the bottom shelves at the factories and provides his share of questionable material, but with all of those lovely trees out there and all of the dedicated workers employing age old methods, it shouldn't be so difficult to make a decent product. This one didn't stand out in any way whatsoever, but was a simple, easy to digest brew. It's flavors may have come in wisps rathers than waves, and if it didn't impress, it didn't offend. For today at least, that was sufficient.

[R-James]

2006 12 Gentlemen Yiwu

100ml Gaiwan 5g

All I shall say is this tea must be what heaven tastes like. I have such a good feeling about it, every infusion is smooth, and its brought a big grin to my face. What more can I want!

[Suzuki]

'06 Mengku early spring, from puershop
Brewed ugly American style- 250ml yixing

Wow, if the spring harvest is good, what could be better than early spring? Unless, of course, that phrase is yet another misnomer in the wacky world of pu'er. Turns out it means the less than desirable winter harvest. Reminds me of the last time someone handed me box seats to a Mets game, only to discover that I wound up sitting behind Bob Uecker. :001_rolle
"Honey, I got us a great deal on a summer rental at the shore. It's late summer- November."

No matter. The tea was delightful. Jim at PS may scour the bottom shelves at the factories and provides his share of questionable material, but with all of those lovely trees out there and all of the dedicated workers employing age old methods, it shouldn't be so difficult to make a decent product. This one didn't stand out in any way whatsoever, but was a simple, easy to digest brew. It's flavors may have come in wisps rathers than waves, and if it didn't impress, it didn't offend. For today at least, that was sufficient.

Is this the '06 Mengku you sent me a sample of?

If so, that's what I'm drinking - decent, but a little one-dimensional - fine for work, but nothing special.

Lots of small, broken leaves.

[ouch]

Is this the '06 Mengku you sent me a sample of?

If so, that's what I'm drinking - decent, but a little one-dimensional - fine for work, but nothing special.

Lots of small, broken leaves.

That's the one- decent and nothing special, but enjoyable nonetheless.

All of the Mengkus I've tried seem to be lightly pressed- they're really easy to pry apart, sometimes just by looking at them.

[Scotto]

This morning: Mengku Bingdao Arbor Maocha from puerhshop

Utterly forgettable. Another work maocha which is not bad, but not particularly good either. Here and there an interesting cooling sensation, some menthol, good bitterness. I wouldn't purchase this again.

[ouch]

This morning: Mengku Bingdao Arbor Maocha from puerhshop

Utterly forgettable. Another work maocha which is not bad, but not particularly good either. Here and there an interesting cooling sensation, some menthol, good bitterness. I wouldn't purchase this again.

I think that one is another example of having to read the fine print at puerhshop. I believe the factory is Mengku Jinbiao, not Shuangjiang* Mengku, at least as far as the cakes are concerned. If that's the case, it may as well have come from the Fengoolistan Tea Factory.
















*Can't say that word without going "schwing!"

[Suzuki]

All of the Mengkus I've tried seem to be lightly pressed- they're really easy to pry apart, sometimes just by looking at them.

Have you tried any stone-pressed - these are pressed by hand and are even easier to take apart - you can easily pick out single leaves. There's a couple in the package I sent you - you'll be able to tell just by how easy they are to pick apart.

My SOTD

I'm spending some time with the YS 2008 Dehong, which I quite like.

I've changed my work brewing routine - still a bastardazation, but I'm now using a lidded mug with a strainer and brewing by the cup.

I'm using about 1/4 of the mug volume of leaves.

I'm on my second infusion.

I think of this tea like a good beaujolais or cote du rhone - relatively inexpensive, satisfying, and very approachable. As said previously, the tea has some nice light fruity notes, good body/mouth feel, a touch of astringency/bitterness (but just enough to give the tea some character).

In short, this is a very good daily tea that should improve with age (I'm going to order at least one more brick and possibly two). Its a great tea to give someone to try as a first sheng - its got very good balance (especially for a 2008) and my experience is that its quite forgiving to different brewing times. At $25 for a 500g brick, its also good value.

[Scotto]

Nice description. I have some of this on the way in my latest order. Damn the 5 week transit time from China to New Yawk!

[Suzuki]

Nice description. I have some of this on the way in my latest order. Damn the 5 week transit time from China to New Yawk!


I'm working on my descriptions - both to enhance my experience, as well as provide useful comments to others.

I hope you like the tea.

As for the transit time, my order arrived in Toronto in just under 3 weeks, so here's hoping that Scott strapped it onto a snail on steroids and you get yours early.

[kreigle]

OK. Total newbie here. I just received a handful of samplers from PuerhShop yesterday afternoon and I don't have a proper tea setup yet.

My teas this morning have been:

Before leaving for work, 2 infusions of a 2004 Menghai Superior Grade Pu-erh Tea Cake Sampler. I had ~6 infusions from these leaves before bed last night and just re-used the same leaves for this mornings tea so this would be infusions 7 and 8? I am going to keep going with this again tonight and see how long it lasts.

5g, steeped 1:45s and 1:30s with 4oz of filtered tap water in a coffee cup, strained into second cup for drinking. I really like the flavor of this tea. I don't have much of a palate, but I think it is a really nice fruity? drink. It's a shame I can't afford the whole cake.

At work, I am working on a 2006 Old Tree Banzhang Pu-erh Tea Cake Sampler that, again, I did 4 infusions from yesterday before leaving work. I have to make due with a cruder setup at work, using aug and a tea-ball. I did'nt weigh these leaves, just estimated about 2g into the teaball and steep in ~4oz water. I am using 2-3min steep times this morning. This tea seems dry and smokey to me, reminiscent of a Lapsang Souschong (sp?), but without the 'liquid smoke' quality. Underneath this, there seems to be an autumn forest quality (is this what I hear referred to as 'mushroom'?).

Budget allowing, I would love to try more of these.

[Suzuki]

Nice first post in the thread.

How much were the cakes of the tea samples you were sent?

What I'm finding is that there are lots of pretty good teas in the $15 - $25 range (prices per standard size cake/brick based on Yunnan Sourcing's prices before shipping). Its very much like wine in that, with some knowledge and trial and error, its quite possible to find a bunch of good teas at very reasonable prices. Conversely, there are expensive teas that are either objectively very average or even poor or that won't suit your tastes. In short, price isn't necessarily an indication of quality or that a tea will be for you.

The "autumn forest" note is likely more of an earthy/leafy note - the mushroomy notes are like what you would experience if you stuck nice portobello or porchini mushroom under your nose (not the wimpy white mushrooms) there are earthy notes, but also a definite mushroom scent/flavour.

These tend to be more common/pronounced in the cooked or shu pu'erh teas, but can be present in the raw or sheng teas as well. My very limited experience is that the shengs with the earthy/mushroomy notes tend to make a heavier/thicker brew.

I'm sure Scotto or Hobbes can elaborate.

[kreigle]

Nice first post in the thread.

How much were the cakes of the tea samples you were sent?

What I'm finding is that there are lots of pretty good teas in the $15 - $25 range (prices per standard size cake/brick based on Yunnan Sourcing's prices before shipping). Its very much like wine in that, with some knowledge and trial and error, its quite possible to find a bunch of good teas at very reasonable prices.

The samplers I got were (with both sample and cake prices from PuerhShop):

2003 Keyixing Yiwu Pu-erh Tea Cake Sampler $4.99 $38.89
2006 Tongxing Hao Pu-erh Tea Cake Sampler $2.99 $17.50
2006 Old Tree Banzhang Pu-erh Tea Cake Sampler $3.99 $25.60
2004 Menghai Superior Grade Pu-erh Tea Cake Sampler $5.99 $62.00

So far I've tried everything except the Tongxing. I haven't seen any of these anywhere except PuerhShop, so I don't know if they are available anywhere else.

Honestly, though, I don't know if I want to buy a full cake of the 2006 Old Tree as I am not overly fond of the earthy flavor. Maybe after I try a full-strength steep at home I'll know for sure.

[ouch]

I had a Lipton teabag at the Toyota dealer today, so you can imagine the mood I'm in.http://www.ynpuretea.com.cn/bbs/images/smilies/default/hu24.gif

[Hobbesoxon]

No shengpu today - presentations and job interviews. Gragh!

:chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Suzuki]

I had a Lipton teabag at the Toyota dealer today, so you can imagine the mood I'm in.

I'd rather drink hot water with lye.

Seriously though, once you move up to the good stuff, there's no going back!

[Proinsias]

I'd rather drink hot water with lye.

Seriously though, once you move up to the good stuff, there's no going back!

Sometimes there's no getting away from it. I ask for plenty of milk and pretend it's a quaint hot beverage not tea I'm drinking.

In my experience people over 70 who know you love tea are not to be reasoned with, add milk and smile.

[ouch]

I ordered a few cakes to make myself feel better. Nothing special, but a few cheapies I've had my eye on-
Yongpinhao yiwu zhengshan
CNNP 7548
Menghai 7572 shu
Xiaguan FT mushroom
Nanjian tuo shu
and a bit of dancong

I wrote down about a dozen choices and let my daughter pick 'em. We'll see how she did. :tongue_sm


Oh, and would someone be so kind as to talk me out of buying a basket of liu an. I'm not sure I'll enjoy that one.


http://www.ynpuretea.com.cn/bbs/images/smilies/default/hu12.gif

[boboakalfb]

You guys are wearing me down. I have been reading along with all this Pu talk and think I want to give it a go. I guess an order of samples from Puerh Shop would be the best way to start out. What do you guys think are a few good ones to start out with?

[letterk]

You guys are wearing me down. I have been reading along with all this Pu talk and think I want to give it a go. I guess an order of samples from Puerh Shop would be the best way to start out. What do you guys think are a few good ones to start out with?

I hate to say it, but I'm in the same boat.

[Scotto]

My suggestion is that if you are just starting out, you get samples from Hou De (http://houdeasianart.com/). The price may be higher, but the samples are universally very good to excellent. They can really give you an idea about how great pu'er can be. After that, you'll be educated enough to go on from there.

I can tell you which samples I have had from there if you like.

[letterk]

My suggestion is that if you are just starting out, you get samples from Hou De (http://houdeasianart.com/). The price may be higher, but the samples are universally very good to excellent. They can really give you an idea about how great pu'er can be. After that, you'll be educated enough to go on from there.

I can tell you which samples I have had from there if you like.

Yes please.

[Proinsias]

Oh, and would someone be so kind as to talk me out of buying a basket of liu an. I'm not sure I'll enjoy that one.

If it's fairly new liu an, at least ten years, from my experience it's a little like what I would imagine if I diluted battery acid. Once I got the brewing under control I've come to appreciate it, definite medicinal taste.

I'm sending out quite a few samples of a basket I bought a few weeks ago, pm me if you'd like a little.

[ouch]

My suggestion is that if you are just starting out, you get samples from Hou De (http://houdeasianart.com/). The price may be higher, but the samples are universally very good to excellent. They can really give you an idea about how great pu'er can be. After that, you'll be educated enough to go on from there.

I can tell you which samples I have had from there if you like.

+1

Hou De is decidedly high end, and one of the best sources in the states. You'll pay, often as much for a sample as you would for an entire cake elsewhere, but the quality will be there.

If I may draw (yet another) wine analogy- you have to know what the good stuff tastes like in order to appreciate both good and bad.

http://www.ynpuretea.com.cn/bbs/images/avatars/canhu29.gif

[Hobbesoxon]

I ordered a few cakes to make myself feel better. Nothing special, but a few cheapies I've had my eye on-
Yongpinhao yiwu zhengshan
CNNP 7548
Menghai 7572 shu
Xiaguan FT mushroom
Nanjian tuo shu
and a bit of dancong

Oh, and would someone be so kind as to talk me out of buying a basket of liu an. I'm not sure I'll enjoy that one.

Liu'an and liubao make me produce zombie noises. UnnNNnNNnnng. Never has so much been written by so many about so little.

If you really love shupu then this might be fun. The quality can be more horrific than shupu if you're unlucky (imagine that).

I would stick to samples of these post-fermented basket teas, unless you really, really know what you're getting yourself into! :chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. Is the Xiaguan FT mushroom the one that comes in the cubic box? If so, it's good!

[Hobbesoxon]

You guys are wearing me down. I have been reading along with all this Pu talk and think I want to give it a go. I guess an order of samples from Puerh Shop would be the best way to start out. What do you guys think are a few good ones to start out with?


I hate to say it, but I'm in the same boat.

<The Shining>
Come play with us... for ever, and ever, and ever...
</The Shining>

Houde is a great company from which to buy samples. I've spent a lot of money at Houde, and most of it has been on pu'er samples. I think I own two, maybe three, actual cakes from Houde, due to (what I consider to be) inappropriate pricing. Putting it politely. :chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[R-James]

Today will be some bamboo wrapped yuole and some 12 Gent Chun ya Shen Yun, I can't wait for my YS stuff to arrive to give me a bit more pu variety!

[Hobbesoxon]

I'm just finishing off some 2006 Douji "Qiaomu", then I'm heading onto your bamboo-wrapped Youle! Thanks again :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

Liu'an and liubao make me produce zombie noises. UnnNNnNNnnng. Never has so much been written by so many about so little.

If you really love shupu then this might be fun. The quality can be more horrific than shupu if you're unlucky (imagine that).

I would stick to samples of these post-fermented basket teas, unless you really, really know what you're getting yourself into! :chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. Is the Xiaguan FT mushroom the one that comes in the cubic box? If so, it's good!

A sane man might consider that ample warning, but zombies.....

Just call me a glutton for punishment.

(The Xiaguan FT is the 250g mushroom in the cubic box.)

[ouch]

An example of the potential pitfalls of pu'er shopping:

Today-
'07 Mengyang Guoyan classic 88
preparation- doens't seem to matter.
This one is a dud with a capital D. It just has nothing to offer.

[Suzuki]

2005 Yong Pin Hao Stone Pressed Yi Wu.

After exchanging e-mails with Hobbes about whether to get this tea, I realized I had a cake (duh!) so decided to brew some up.

I'm using my strainer and a smallish Denby mug (sorry for you purists out there).

I'm using my standard 1/5 to 1/4 volume of the cup of leaves, which seems to work and is as accurate as I can be bothered.

Since I'm at home, I can get the temperature of the water just right and I'm on my 4th infusion (5, 10,15, 20) and will go to 30 for the 5th. The tea brews up a nice copper-tinged yellow liquor and there are some pleasant fruity notes (I get apple/pear notes) and a nice sweetness on the nose. However, these do not seem to translate as much to the flavour, which is nice, clean sheng that is lightly sweet with some very faint fruit notes. The brew is a touch on the astringent side and I found that the tea is quite senstive to brew times.

All in all, this is a pleasant tea - its a step up from average, but not stellar. Its worth the $20 I paid for the cake, but I won't rush out to buy another.

I really like the light compression - it makes taking the cake apart quite easy and many of the leaves are intact (despite the fact that I only pry off what I need and my rather inept abilities at bing reduction). The leaves are nice and health looking - bright green with nice central veins and are about 3 inches long by 1/2 an inch wide, not including the stems.

My cake has very little broken leaves and to my inexperienced eye, nose and palate, the processing seems to have been well done.

[Hobbesoxon]

An example of the potential pitfalls of pu'er shopping:

Today-
'07 Mengyang Guoyan classic 88
preparation- doens't seem to matter.
This one is a dud with a capital D. It just has nothing to offer.

A huge dud! I didn't like this either. :)



2005 Yong Pin Hao Stone Pressed Yi Wu.

After exchanging e-mails with Hobbes about whether to get this tea, I realized I had a cake (duh!) so decided to brew some up.

I'm using my strainer and a smallish Denby mug (sorry for you purists out there).

All in all, this is a pleasant tea - its a step up from average, but not stellar. Its worth the $20 I paid for the cake, but I won't rush out to buy another.

I really like the light compression - it makes taking the cake apart quite easy and many of the leaves are intact (despite the fact that I only pry off what I need and my rather inept abilities at bing reduction). The leaves are nice and health looking - bright green with nice central veins and are about 3 inches long by 1/2 an inch wide, not including the stems.

My cake has very little broken leaves and to my inexperienced eye, nose and palate, the processing seems to have been well done.

Hear hear! I like Scott's prices. It's from 2002 and it's about $20, so you pretty much know what you're getting - most other vendors would be charging $60+ for anything this "old"! For $20, it's fine. I think I decided not to bother buying one, as space is running out. :chinese:

The loose compression is so pleasant, I totally agree. Love it.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

Yes please.

If you point your browser at Hou De (http://www.houdeasianart.com), you will see there are many samples available. For the most part you can't go wrong. Here are some of my favorites:

2001 Mengku YYX Thin papered (http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=559&zenid=2f34458d181c8faaa0bf74a0633908a4). Ranks as one of the single greatest beverages I have had the pleasure of drinking. Obscenely complex, and goes on for dozens of infusions. Simply awesome, but unfortunately cakes are impossible to get.

If you want a really interesting comparison, there is the thick papered (http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=799&zenid=2f34458d181c8faaa0bf74a0633908a4) version of this tea also available as a sample. This is the identical tea, but stored under different (wetter) conditions. This one is not for the faint of heart. It is much earthier and chewier than the dry-stored version. It is a good tea, but doesn't compare with the thin-papered.

2003 "HK Henry" Menghai 7542 (http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=764&zenid=2f34458d181c8faaa0bf74a0633908a4). Tastes like dry, mulled apple cider. Acidic and fascinating

2003 Yi Chang Hao (http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=273&zenid=2f34458d181c8faaa0bf74a0633908a4). Very fascinating tea. Reminds me of coca cola syrup without the sugar.

2006 YiWu Ye Cha (http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=690&zenid=2f34458d181c8faaa0bf74a0633908a4). This one is very fruity, almost berry-like.

Of course all the Xi Zi Hao offerings are interesting as well, but I find them quite variable.

Hope this helps.

[boboakalfb]

Thanks for the info, Scotto et al. Looks like a good place to start. :001_smile

[Hobbesoxon]

Hmm, I didn't get much from the Hong Kong Henry but have heard glowing tales from others... I'll give it another sitting!

The thin-papered YYX is really nice. I tried getting some from Taobao, the Chinese eBay, but the payment methods were arcane. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

Arg. I was doing so well not buying more tea. You guys are a bunch of enablers. Recent purchases:

From YSLLC a couple of weeks ago:
2005 Green City Peak (cake)
2008 Purple brick of Dehong (brick)
2008 Menghai Peacock of Mengsong (cake)
2002 CNNP Bing Dao of Mengku (sample)
2007 Mengku Mu Ye Chun 001 (sample)
2008 Mengku Bing Dao Spring Cake (sample)
2005 Yong Pin Hao Stone-Pressed Yi Wu Mountain (sample)
2007 Guoyan Phoenix of Yi Wu (sample)

But the sickness gets worse. After all, this stuff takes weeks to arrive from China. What to do? Order some stuff more locally while I wait:

2006 Changtai 339 Pu-erh Tea Cake
2008 Bulang Arbor Tree Pu-erh Tea Brick
2008 Douji Dadou Pu-erh Tea Brick
Xiaguan FT Tibetan Flame Mushroom Tuocha
2003 CNNP Grand Yellow Label Pu-erh Tea Cake Sample

And of course it is not like I already need a new home to house all my existing stock. Crazy. I swear there is crack in this stuff

[ouch]

2006 Changtai 339 Pu-erh Tea Cake
2008 Bulang Arbor Tree Pu-erh Tea Brick
2008 Douji Dadou Pu-erh Tea Brick
Xiaguan FT Tibetan Flame Mushroom Tuocha
2003 CNNP Grand Yellow Label Pu-erh Tea Cake Sample


What did a wise man once say about mediocre minds? :001_rolle
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=65868&postcount=2
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=37481&postcount=5
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=21465&postcount=11

I had my finger on the button for the Buland arbor brick from Yiwu Zhengshan, but my bs meter told me it was one of Jim's bottom shelf offeriings- hope I'm wrong. I did get the FT mushroom- just as cheap as from YS. The Douji mini brick looks cool, and I knew you were eventually going to grab a cake of the Changtai 339. That overwhelming smokiness and punch in the face flavor profile was compelling. :lol:

[ouch]

Just a quick plug for Jim at Puerh Shop. Now although receiving a prime product may be trickier than at other shops, I can't fault his service. He ships my package before he receives my payment, and that alone makes me a repeat customer.

[Scotto]

Just a quick plug for Jim at Puerh Shop. Now although receiving a prime product may be trickier than at other shops, I can't fault his service. He ships my package before he receives my payment, and that alone makes me a repeat customer.

Indeed. My order was placed at 2:39 today, and I got a notice it was shipped at 3:17. :w00t:

[ouch]

Indeed. My order was placed at 2:39 today, and I got a notice it was shipped at 3:17. :w00t:

Yeah, but you probably paid by paypal. I mailed him the payment. :lol:

[Hobbesoxon]

2005 Green City Peak (cake)
2008 Purple brick of Dehong (brick)
2008 Menghai Peacock of Mengsong (cake)
2007 Mengku Mu Ye Chun 001 (sample)
2005 Yong Pin Hao Stone-Pressed Yi Wu Mountain (sample)


All of the above I have found to be in the range decent (2005 Yongpinhao) to excellent (2008 Peacock of Mengsong), so I suspect you'll be happy! I remember my taste differs from yours on some teas, so do please let us know what you make of this new batch!


But the sickness gets worse. After all, this stuff takes weeks to arrive from China. What to do? Order some stuff more locally while I wait:

2006 Changtai 339 Pu-erh Tea Cake
2008 Bulang Arbor Tree Pu-erh Tea Brick
2008 Douji Dadou Pu-erh Tea Brick
Xiaguan FT Tibetan Flame Mushroom Tuocha
2003 CNNP Grand Yellow Label Pu-erh Tea Cake Sample

And of course it is not like I already need a new home to house all my existing stock. Crazy. I swear there is crack in this stuff

As a wise man once penned, "Get down with the sickness." I plan to drink the Douji Dadou brick in a few hours, by sheer chance. It is so small a brick that it's real comedy. :chinese:


I had my finger on the button for the Buland arbor brick from Yiwu Zhengshan, but my bs meter told me it was one of Jim's bottom shelf offeriings- hope I'm wrong. I did get the FT mushroom- just as cheap as from YS. The Douji mini brick looks cool, and I knew you were eventually going to grab a cake of the Changtai 339. That overwhelming smokiness and punch in the face flavor profile was compelling. :lol:

Excited to read that the Bulang brick was from Yiwuzhengshan (makers of the "Douji" brand, of course), I read the description over at Puerh Shop that confirms it. This could be a decent tea - given that it's only $12, though, I keep my expectations low.

The Changtai 339 is one I've not even heard of - time to try some!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

I plan to drink the Douji Dadou brick in a few hours, by sheer chance. It is so small a brick that it's real comedy. :chinese:

Jim at PS refers to it as the Hobbes single serving size. :001_rolle

Not to be outdone, I plan to brew a 250g tuo of Xiaguan FT with a single drop of boiling water.


Excited to read that the Bulang brick was from Yiwuzhengshan (makers of the "Douji" brand, of course), I read the description over at Puerh Shop that confirms it. This could be a decent tea - given that it's only $12, though, I keep my expectations low.

I really wanted to give this a go, but the price made me leery. Scott volunteered to take one for the team, so if he gives it the thumbs up, I can always grab one.


The Changtai 339 is one I've not even heard of - time to try some!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

That's the only tea I ever brewed that made my wife threaten me. She thinks that any smoky tea from China is dried with the exhaust fumes of trucks. It tasted like bacon to me.

[Hobbesoxon]

Jim at PS refers to it as the Hobbes single serving size.

It does look rather like a little block of tobacco - maybe you could try chewing it? :)


I really wanted to give this a go, but the price made me leery. Scott volunteered to take one for the team, so if he gives it the thumbs up, I can always grab one.

Scotto - over to you!

I'm keen not to fill up my shelves with cheap, average tea. The rate at which it grows is quite terrifying. Extrapolate over the next decade, and I'll need to move my tea out into the garage... :chinese:


That's the only tea I ever brewed that made my wife threaten me. She thinks that any smoky tea from China is dried with the exhaust fumes of trucks. It tasted like bacon to me.

Hmm - sounds like a dodgy shupu!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

No shengpu today - just a solid 14-year-old shupu from my wife's hometown. Simple, but chunky. Celebrating a successful job interview. :001_smile


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[kreigle]

I am revisiting my 2006 Old Tree Banzhang sampler from Puerhshop.

This time I am using 5g leaves, 2 cups and a pour-through strainer instead of the teaball. I am using the carafe on my coffee pot warmer to heat the water, with nearly-boiling water from microwave for the 1st infusion.

I looked over the leaves from the previous tasting and noticed that they are chopped, roughly 1cm pieces.

This cake sample is very tightly pressed and instead of spending a lot of time trying to flake it apart, I just poured water over it. 1st infusion almost 20s waiting for the cake to separate (didn't happen), which I went ahead and drank. Very smoky.

Being at work, I am not really timing these and the steeps are really longer that they should be. After the second infusion I notice that this piece of cake is chopped smaller that the first. This time there are a large number of tea-bag sized pieces and a lot of dust got throught the strainer on the third and fourth, with a lot of astringency starting to come in. Still smoky in the start, with a finish that reminds my untrained tongue of English Breakfast. I am not getting any of the foresty flavor I got from the tea-ball.

This is the smokiest and most astringent of the 4 samples I have. I wonder if it would be worth getting one to put away for a while?

[ouch]

This is the smokiest and most astringent of the 4 samples I have. I wonder if it would be worth getting one to put away for a while?

You may want to try a few more first. I'm still in the "I have to buy everything" phase, but I realise that it's all about finding things you really enjoy.

[Scotto]

2001 Yiwu Zhengshan Old Tree Pu-erh Tea Cake (CNNP made?)
120mL gaiwan, 8g of leaf, ~10 second infusions

The taste? Like an old man with a cane walking up stairs in front of you - tired and annoying. I wonder what this tasted like back in 2001, because there is not much left. I needed to use 2X the amount of leaf and much longer infusion times to coax anything at all out of this. Some woodiness, anise, a bit sweet, but lackluster. Certainly not worth the $37 or so puerhshop is asking.

[ouch]

With 1,000 views and 100 posts, I officially declare this thread a success. :tongue_sm

[letterk]

With 1,000 views and 100 posts, I offically declare this thread a success. :tongue_sm

I posted in it, so it can't be THAT good.

[R-James]

This thread wins

[joel]

With 1,000 views and 100 posts, I officially declare this thread a success. :tongue_sm

Want a B&B Tea forum? If you guys commit to post in it and populate it, consider it done.

[R-James]

I for one can commit to posting in it yes. I bet the rest of the tea fans will do the same

[TimmyBoston]

Want a B&B Tea forum? If you guys commit to post in it and populate it, consider it done.

What about a Tea and Coffee Forum? It might be easier to populate.

[boboakalfb]

What about a Tea and Coffee Forum? It might be easier to populate.

I agree.

[letterk]

Do we get a crepe forum as well?

[joel]

You fellas wanted it - you fellas got it - "The Brewhouse" :smile:

[R-James]

To christen the new 'brewhouse' section, I will have some bamboo wrapped yuole, 5g in 100ml gaiwan, and some 12 gentleman yiwu, 8g in 100ml gaiwan

I am going to have the yuole normally, but really extend out the yiwu and see how many brews I can get. To the extreme! I may even cold brew it overnight if it lasts that long.

[ouch]

'07 Yongpinhao yiwu

I've been looking at this one for a long time before I finally pulled the trigger. The very low price ($16, and already in the US) sent my bs meter into convulsions. Having recently enjoyed a sample of the '05, courtesy of Suzuki, I was pleased to find that this shared some of the same simple charms. The '05 was far more advanced, due no doubt to its very light stone pressing. I don't think this has the backbone for aging, and I doubt I'll repurchase it, but it should get used up rather quickly. Not bad, and cheap, to boot.

[Hobbesoxon]

Hmm, Yongpinhao. I'm undecided! I have the 2008 Lanxiang and 2008 One-with-the-flower-on-the-wrapper, but they're not special, and the others left me cold. I'm getting the Mengyang Guoyan feeling: pretty, not bad, inexpensive... but unspectacular.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Suzuki]

Some more of the YS 2008 Dehong - its become one of my work teas or for whenever I just want a nice, predictable cup of pu-erh.

I noticed that YS has recently listed a very reasonably priced early spring melon of Dehong (2008), as well as a 2005 Dehong melon - anyone try either of these?

[Hobbesoxon]

Some more of the YS 2008 Dehong - its become one of my work teas or for whenever I just want a nice, predictable cup of pu-erh.

I noticed that YS has recently listed a very reasonably priced early spring melon of Dehong (2008), as well as a 2005 Dehong melon - anyone try either of these?

I've not tried the Dehong melons, but the novelty appearance makes me scared!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. I'm proud that I didn't make a joke about melons. It wasn't at all easy.

[Suzuki]

I've not tried the Dehong melons, but the novelty appearance makes me scared!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. I'm proud that I didn't make a joke about melons. It wasn't at all easy.

I thought the melons were considered a standard shape - much less novelty than a mushroom I would have thought.

And yes, not making a melons-related joke took a fair bit of willpower!

[Hobbesoxon]

Kinda sorta. It's reminscent of those odd "stupa" teas that you sometimes see - an uncommon format. I suppose it might be nice for tossing around the house like a rugby ball/American football. :chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. Two melon posts, no jokes about melons. My willpower is of IRON today.

[ouch]

I thought the same about the mushroom shape, but I'm glad I gave the Xiaguan FT a go.

Now I can't get melons out of my head, even more than usual. :001_rolle
The British predilection for bawdiness is encouraged on this site, so feel free to let her rip.

[Hobbesoxon]

2000 CNNP "Green Mark" today - more of a vehicle for chaqi than anything else, but what flavour exists is mild, woody, and decent.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

2002 CNNP Bingdao of Mengku

:confused:
I really wanted to like this one (once again, courtesy of the excessively kind Chris) but it resulted in the following conversation-

Mr. O: Honey, can you come down here and taste this?
Mrs. O: It's terrible.
Mr. O: You didn't even taste it.
Mrs. O: Every time you tell me to come and taste something it's terrible.
Mr. O: Please?
Mrs. O: It tastes like truck fumes.

I may not be the best at brewing, but at least I'm pretty consistent, and I employed the exact same routine I use successfully all of the time. It just left me feeling flat and bewildered. The flavors were chalky and sour, with little in the way of fruit or floral components.

I have to try this again to see what went wrong.

[Suzuki]

2002 CNNP Bingdao of Mengku

:confused:
I really wanted to like this one (once again, courtesy of the excessively kind Chris) but it resulted in the following conversation-

Mr. O: Honey, can you come down here and taste this?
Mrs. O: It's terrible.
Mr. O: You didn't even taste it.
Mrs. O: Every time you tell me to come and taste something it's terrible.
Mr. O: Please?
Mrs. O: It tastes like truck fumes.

I may not be the best at brewing, but at least I'm pretty consistent, and I employed the exact same routine I use successfully all of the time. It just left me feeling flat and bewildered. The flavors were chalky and sour, with little in the way of fruit or floral components.

I have to try this again to see what went wrong.

I had some of this again today - my first result was disastrous, as I used too many leaves and got a very bitter brew.

I used less leaves this time and got better results, but agree 100% that this is a very flat tea - no fruit, florals, earthy notes, etc. I did however detect a smoky note (essence de camion???). Basically, this just tastes like very bland tea, with some not so nice notes and a tendency towards bitterness. Of the teas I've tasted (only about a dozen shengs so far), this has been the most disappointing.

I'm going to play with this at least a few more times (more leaves and really short infusions) to see if I can coax anything from it.

At $26 per cake at YS, its not the end of the world, but if I don't get better results, I may bin this one, as I don't think it will improve with again (to my untrained thinking, if there's nothing there now, it can't get better with age - generally, my understanding is that, as with wine, the pu'erhs that are worth aging have strong/powerful notes that benefit from mellowing - but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

[ouch]

I don't recall reading any of your comments regarding this tea prior to tasting it, and I'm relieved to find I'm not alone. I was worried for a minute.


(essence de camion???)

More like essence de Camry. :001_rolle

They say the very best old shengs were brutal in their youth. I wouldn't chuck this, or anything else. Stick it away for a few years and see. Can't hurt.

[Hobbesoxon]

2005 Hailanghao "Motian Yinhao" - a buddy pu'er, with correspondingly floral characteristics, but with a surprising amount of complexity. Good stuff.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[SCWilson]

I'm having my first shengpu today. It is the 2003 HK Henry 7542 from the MengHai. I brewed it in a 120ml lided cup with off boiling water. Two short rinses and an infusion time of about 5 seconds. Thus far I really enjoy it. Slightly acidic, a little dry, tasts a little like cider. The feel in my mouth after I drink some is similar to the feel after a sip of good full bodied red wine, perhaps a Cabernet.

Wow that stuff is really compacted. I just checked the brewing cup and it is about half full of leaves that will expand a little more with the next few infusions. Did I use too much tea?

[Hobbesoxon]

A good tea to start out with!

You may have used too many leaves, but if it didn't taste too bitter perhaps you got it spot on. Here's my quantity of HK Henry from an article (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/10/2003-menghai-hong-kong-henry-7542.html) written this time last year:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/HobbesOxon/2003-Menghai-HongKongHenry-7542B.jpg


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

After yesterday's debacle, I had this conversation today:

Mr. O: Honey, can you come down here and taste this?
Mrs. O: It's terrible.
Mr. O: You didn't even taste it.
Mrs. O: Every time you tell me to come and taste something it's terrible.
Mr. O: Please?
Mrs. O: No. Not again.
Mr. O. (to himself): Heh heh heh. More for me.

'08 De Hong brick. Very nice, enjoyed in peace and quiet. I could drink this one daily.

[SCWilson]

I don't find it too bitter, but I do have a taste for bitter things. :001_smile
There are definately some smokey, tobacco notes to it. To me it smells slightly like a light latakia blend pipe tobacco. Dang it, now I'm craving some GLP Blackpoint or Kensington!

I think I can officially be listed as a pu'erh convert.

[Suzuki]

After yesterday's debacle, I had this conversation today:

Mr. O: Honey, can you come down here and taste this?
Mrs. O: It's terrible.
Mr. O: You didn't even taste it.
Mrs. O: Every time you tell me to come and taste something it's terrible.
Mr. O: Please?
Mrs. O: No. Not again.
Mr. O. (to himself): Heh heh heh. More for me.

'08 De Hong brick. Very nice, enjoyed in peace and quiet. I could drink this one daily.

Yup - this has quickly become my "go-to" tea for work and there are several bricks in my future.

I'm playing with the CNNP - I jacked up the leaf volume and shortened my brew times and guess what...

Nuthin' still bitter and nasty with an even stronger exhaust/smoke note and some chemically aftertaste. At this strength, it makes my mouth water quite a bit - which is another strike against in my books.

I'll persevere with this session, but this is going to the back of my shelf for at least another year.

[Hobbesoxon]

6 a.m. and Yongde "Mangfei". About $20 from Yunnan Sourcing - plantation tea, but fruity and interesting. Bright and fresh, this is a good, clean start to the day.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[SCWilson]

2003 HK Henry 7542 again. I brewed it in a 120ml lided cup with off boiling water. Two short rinses and an infusion time of about 10 seconds.

[Lynchmeister]

Want a B&B Tea forum? If you guys commit to post in it and populate it, consider it done.


I for one can commit to posting in it yes. I bet the rest of the tea fans will do the same


What about a Tea and Coffee Forum? It might be easier to populate.


I agree.


You fellas wanted it - you fellas got it - "The Brewhouse" :smile:

Like the meeting of Smith and Wesson! :lol:

[Hobbesoxon]

2001 Menghai "Yiwu Zhengshan" - how the mighty have fallen (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/05/2001-menghai-yiwu-zhengshan.html)! I used to adore this, but 1.5 years later and it seems a bit muted and processed.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

O: I'll take pu'er for 600, Alex.
AT: Yiwu bamboo wrapped.
O: What is a gimmick?
AT: Sorry, no.

Have a marginal/inferior product you need to unload? Why, just come up with an unconventional presentation, and watch it fly off the shelves. The rubes will line up to buy your pu'er if it contains an embedded GPS chip, is emblazened with the likeness of Chairman Mao, or shaped like a phallus (Don't laugh- just wait. If you've had the Xiaguan mushroom, you know they're halfway there. :001_rolle)

So when I received a generous sample of this rolled and wrapped pu'er from Chris, I was tempted to light it and treat it like a Cohiba. Even a personal recommendation from Scott at YSLLC could not assuage my suspicion. The verdict? Not bad at all. The flavors were all correct, if not pronounced, and it was an enjoyable tea that I would drink regularly. Quite surprising.

[Scotto]

from puerhshop.com. 7g in 100mL Yixing. Very orange, fiercely bitter, lots of black pepper tastes. Overall, yuck. No sweetness to balance the other elements. One to avoid, IMO.

[Suzuki]

O: I'll take pu'er for 600, Alex.
AT: Yiwu bamboo wrapped.
O: What is a gimmick?
AT: Sorry, no.

Have a marginal/inferior product you need to unload? Why, just come up with an unconventional presentation, and watch it fly off the shelves. The rubes will line up to buy your pu'er if it contains an embedded GPS chip, is emblazened with the likeness of Chairman Mao, or shaped like a phallus (Don't laugh- just wait. If you've had the Xiaguan mushroom, you know they're halfway there. :001_rolle)

So when I received a generous sample of this rolled and wrapped pu'er from Chris, I was tempted to light it and treat it like a Cohiba. Even a personal recommendation from Scott at YSLLC could not assuage my suspicion. The verdict? Not bad at all. The flavors were all correct, if not pronounced, and it was an enjoyable tea that I would drink regularly. Quite surprising.

Actually, its not bamboo wrapped, its actually packed into green bamboo stalks and then very lightly stoved. Upon examination, the leaves are of good quality and are slightly darker than a "typical" sheng'pu.

It brews a copper-coloured brew that I find has some nice sweetness, some citrusy notes (to me, when I take a big huff of the unbrewed tea, it reminds me of sweetened ice tea) and very little bitterness. While I agree that this is in no way a complex tea, it is an easy drinking tea that is perfect for work or when you want a nice cuppa. I'll likely order some more of this as a good everyday/work tea and very reasonably priced $12 for 250g or $20 for 500g.

This and the 2008 Dehong from YS are what I think would be (given my very limited experience) good "beginner" pu'erhs.

[Scotto]

Certainly sounds intriguing. I'll add this one to my "curiosity list" for a future purchase.

[expatCanuck]

...
I'm playing with the CNNP - I jacked up the leaf volume and shortened my brew times and guess what...

CNNP ??

[Scotto]

China Native Products Import/Export, or something similar. The state-run factory.

[ouch]

CNNP ??

China National Native Poontang Produce and Puppychow Animal By-products Imp. And Exp. Corp.

[Hobbesoxon]

from puerhshop.com. 7g in 100mL Yixing. Very orange, fiercely bitter, lots of black pepper tastes. Overall, yuck. No sweetness to balance the other elements. One to avoid, IMO.

I think I have this by mistake - Skip4tea sent me a modern (probably 2003, looking at their inventory) yellow-mark CNNP as a replacement for a missing 2000 cake. I haven't tried it yet, but am expecting brutality.

I wonder if it calms down with less leaves used?


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

CNNP ??

This used to be the pseudonym that all Menghai bingcha and Xiaguan tuocha was produced under during the era of the planned economy (when all factories just supplied the state, which then wrapped them in CNNP wrappers and sold them on to Guangzhou). Since the economic liberation in the late 20th century, factories are of course now allowed to sell under their own labels. CNNP became redundant, and so has become its own company (though owned by the state).

Modern CNNP is usually synonymous with brutal, agonising tea that is as rough as your [adjective][noun].


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

Modern CNNP is usually synonymous with brutal, agonising tea that is as rough as your [adjective][noun].


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

Define modern. Post 2000? Post 2004?

It seems that CNNP has its name affixed to many pricey old cakes. When did the bottom fall out, so to speak?

(Brutal and agonizing I can define for myself. :lol:)

[Hobbesoxon]

Define modern. Post 2000? Post 2004?

It seems that CNNP has its name affixed to many pricey old cakes. When did the bottom fall out, so to speak?

(Brutal and agonizing I can define for myself. :lol:)

10 August, 1998 was the date that tea factories could sell without going via CNNP.

Shortly after, on 23 November, 2000, state approval was granted for CNNP to become a private company. They still own the "Zhongcha" logo that graces 99&#37; of old tea.

Productions since that date have been commissioned from privately-owned factories by CNNP for use in their brand. As far as I know, there is no actual CNNP factory - they just buy productions from factories.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. I just noticed, but this means my 2000 CNNP cakes (green and yellow Zhongcha) must be some of the last of that CNNP era. Kooky!

[Hobbesoxon]

Today's SOTD: 2008 Meiguohao from Puerh Shop. Naming your cake "America Brand" makes me really unhappy. The tea is just simple maocha, and could benefit from some creative blending.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

Productions since that date have been commissioned from privately-owned factories by CNNP for use in their brand. As far as I know, there is no actual CNNP factory - they just buy productions from factories.

Very interesting. Does the traditional numbering protocol retain any meaning? Is a 7581 still made by Kunming and a 7548 a product of Haiwan?


Naming your cake "America Brand" makes me really unhappy.

Imagine "hao" we Americans feel. I should have added that to my list of GPS embedded, phallus shaped list of gimmicky shengs. (Is the plural of sheng sheng or shengs? :confused:)

[ouch]

'05 Menghai 7542

I guess there's a reason the old classics stick around for so long. Nothing jumps out on this one, but I have a good time every time I break off a chunk. I may even buy another. For whatever reason, they seem to continually go up in price.

The color of the brew is decidedly orange, despite its relatively young age. It's been very consistent the numerous times I've brewed it, and strikes me as an appropriate brew for the cooler months.

[Hobbesoxon]

Very interesting. Does the traditional numbering protocol retain any meaning? Is a 7581 still made by Kunming and a 7548 a product of Haiwan?

I believe so!



Imagine "hao" we Americans feel. I should have added that to my list of GPS embedded, phallus shaped list of gimmicky shengs. (Is the plural of sheng sheng or shengs? :confused:)

Chinese has no plurals, so it's up to you. :)

Mind you, Chinese would say "shengcha", rather than "sheng", I reckon. They're funny that way. :chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

2007 Hailanghao "Jingmai Wild Arbor" - sweet-and-sour goodness at a low price. Scrummy.

[Suzuki]

2007 Hailanghao "Jingmai Wild Arbor" - sweet-and-sour goodness at a low price. Scrummy.

Have you tried any of the Hailanhao 2008 offerings?

Any thoughts on those?

[Hobbesoxon]

Have you tried any of the Hailanhao 2008 offerings?

Any thoughts on those?

Hmm, I see a Laobanzhang/Man'e, and a Bulang - I've not tried them yet, though! A HLH Bulang could be fun. :chinese:

How about you?


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

To help recover from last night's overdose of Bordeaux and Rhone*, I had an '07 Mengyang Guoyan Yiwu arbor, using the remainder of Chris's enormous sample, followed by several rounds of an '07 Nanjian cooked tuo. I used to think that I could detect tremebdous differences from one shu to another, but lately they all seem to taste the same. If that is really the case, I may as will stick with this one, as it's only $2.99 for a 110g tuo- very, very cheap.













*Both were beyond words.

[Hobbesoxon]

Sounds good! I like a decent claret myself. What was it? :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

Sounds good! I like a decent claret myself. What was it? :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=798881&postcount=48

:tongue_sm

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan Fei Tai (that's mandarin for kosher nostra) Jincha

Q: How did that scrawny kid David knock out Goliath with a puny slingshot?
A: He loaded it with a Xiaguan tuo.

Boy, is this stuff compressed. If I had a friend who was a judge, this would make a terrific gift as a novelty gavel.

As for the tea, it's top notch. The dry leaf has penetrating aroma, and it brews a nice golden (finally!) cup replete with every flavor I'm looking for. Very nice stuff, and good staying power. I'll be stocking up.



NB: Since this thread appears to be withering away, I'll dupe this post in the WIYM thread, and thereafter let the SOTD fade into obscurity.

[Suzuki]

'08 Xiaguan Fei Tai (that's mandarin for kosher nostra) Jincha

Q: How did that scrawny kid David knock out Goliath with a puny slingshot?
A: He loaded it with a Xiaguan tuo.

Boy, is this stuff compressed. If I had a friend who was a judge, this would make a terrific gift as a novelty gavel.

As for the tea, it's top notch. The dry leaf has penetrating aroma, and it brews a nice golden (finally!) cup replete with every flavor I'm looking for. Very nice stuff, and good staying power. I'll be stocking up.



NB: Since this thread appears to be withering away, I'll dupe this post in the WIYM thread, and thereafter let the SOTD fade into obscurity.

I need to try some of this stuff - sounds great (except for the fact I might need a jackhammer to take this thing apart). I think the serious compression is common along the Xiaguan range.

As for this thread withering in favour of the WIYM thread is right, but let's morph this into (or start a new thread) for discussing new pu'erhs we're trying. It's also a good spot for discussions on the sheng pass a few of us are involved in.

[Hobbesoxon]

Agreed - this thread's great!

[Hobbesoxon]

Which is the 2008 Xiaguan FT Jincha? :chinese:

[ouch]

Which is the 2008 Xiaguan FT Jincha? :chinese:

http://www.puerhshop.com/images/2008_xg_baoyan_jincha.jpg

[Hobbesoxon]

Ah Baoyan :)

I've still not tried mine, heh...

[Scotto]

Interesting that Ouch had a golden liquor from this one. Mine was decidedly dark amber when I got the leaves from the "stem". The taste is excellent, though.

[ouch]

I use a short cup. :001_rolle

[ouch]

'06 Mengku "early spring", or somesuch nonsense.

A lower grade Mengku, but light and decent. One of the only pu'ers my wife seems to like. I enjoy it, but won't repurchase.

[Hobbesoxon]

'06 Mengku "early spring", or somesuch nonsense.

A lower grade Mengku, but light and decent. One of the only pu'ers my wife seems to like. I enjoy it, but won't repurchase.

I wonder if it's Qingming? Being picked before that festival is the green-tea mark of freshness and desirability, of course, but I never really found it to mean too much with pu'er.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Hobbesoxon]

Today: the 2006 Xizihao "Chahuang" (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/11/2006-xizihao-chahuang.html) [tea emperor, heh]. Surprisingly underpowered, this really doesn't respond at all and has become flat, even when using lots of leaves. Clearly good quality (thick texture), but high and ultimately empty.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

I am sitting at work rushing through some of this tea in between meetings. Very interesting! Very fruity tea, with a great backbone of acidity to keep it refreshing. Strong pollen/honeysuckle aromas, oily/chewy mouthfeel. Interestingly, there is a very subtle musky note in the aroma that reminds me of well,.... the female sex organs. Sorry - but I have to tell it like it is.:blushing::001_rolle

[ouch]

I just put the salmon back in the freezer and took out a steak.

[Suzuki]

I am sitting at work rushing through some of this tea in between meetings. Very interesting! Very fruity tea, with a great backbone of acidity to keep it refreshing. Strong pollen/honeysuckle aromas, oily/chewy mouthfeel. Interestingly, there is a very subtle musky note in the aroma that reminds me of well,.... the female sex organs. Sorry - but I have to tell it like it is.:blushing::001_rolle

So many places to go with this, all of them so very wrong and lead straight to the gutter.

Suffice it to say, I agree that this is good tea and a couple more bricks will find their way into my stash (I sound like a broken record, but this stuff just appeals to me) - in fact, I'm drinking some as I type.

[copperhead]

I am sitting at work rushing through some of this tea in between meetings. Very interesting! Very fruity tea, with a great backbone of acidity to keep it refreshing. Strong pollen/honeysuckle aromas, oily/chewy mouthfeel. Interestingly, there is a very subtle musky note in the aroma that reminds me of well,.... the female sex organs. Sorry - but I have to tell it like it is.:blushing::001_rolle

Talk about a pick me up drink!! :w00t:

[Hobbesoxon]

Menu for tomorrow ---> 2008 Dehong brick <--- menu for tomorrow

[Scotto]

I'm now on infusion #5 of the Dehong. It definitely loses its oomph rather quickly, but it is still a solid tea. The, er, unusual aroma is gone after the 2nd infusion. However, I can also smell it distinctly on the raw brick.

I'll likely regret ever typing the description, but such is life.:blush:

[expatCanuck]

I am sitting at work rushing through some of this tea in between meetings. Very interesting! Very fruity tea, with a great backbone of acidity to keep it refreshing. Strong pollen/honeysuckle aromas, oily/chewy mouthfeel. Interestingly, there is a very subtle musky note in the aroma that reminds me of well,.... the female sex organs. Sorry - but I have to tell it like it is.:blushing::001_rolleMight someone consider sending this humble member a sample? Please? I'd be happy to pay for S&H, or reciprocate as the opportunity arises. Don't know that I want to buy a pound of this, but I surely would like to try it.

- Richard

[ouch]

Might someone consider sending this humble member a sample? Please? I'd be happy to pay for S&H, or reciprocate as the opportunity arises. Don't know that I want to buy a pound of this, but I surely would like to try it.

- Richard

There's an old joke-

I heard that kissing a smoker is like licking an ashtray. That's good to know if I ever get really lonely.
:w00t:

I don't have any Dehong to send you, so you may want to rummage around the laundry bin.

[Howard Newell]

There's an old joke-

I heard that kissing a smoker is like licking an ashtray. That's good to know if I ever get really lonely.
:w00t:

I don't have any Dehong to send you, so you may want to rummage around the laundry bin.

UGH! Please don't tell me what I think you're telling him to do!

[Doc4]

I just put the salmon back in the freezer and took out a steak.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmsbErqGBrM

[Hobbesoxon]

Today: Green City Peak. Fresh, mushroom-y, but a bit "plantation". Still, very nice.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[R-James]

some 12 Gentlemen Chun Ya Shen Yun rushed at 6:30. check B&B while finalising song list and into the studio for the day. It will be water and machine coffee for me until I get back tonight

[Scotto]

6g in 120mL gaiwan at work. Medium compression, somewhat tippy. Aroma is unique - cotton candy, camphor, sweet 'shroom, low-toned and earthy. Quite rich in taste, pungent, long huigan. Lots of energy in this one - my hands are shaking and my head is throbbing a bit. Also, there is a nice cooling sensation in the mouth.

The first two infusions are extremely favorable. We'll see if it has legs throughout the day.

[joel]

2007 Xi-Zhi Hao Huang Shan Lin Wild Arbor

[expatCanuck]

My very first sheng.

http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/firstSheng.jpg

2006 Autumn "Yi Wu Yeh Cha".
A definite, but enjoyable, smokiness.
(But not overwhelming like a Lapsang Souchong, which I can't abide).

Peach/apricot oolong undertones. Or are they overtones?

Good for about 6 infusions (tho' I'm gonna try a 7th now).

And a decided 'cranial lift' after the 3rd bowl.

All in all, something that could become habit-forming.

Regrettable ... :rolleyes:

- Richard

P.S. - Thanks to Scott for the recommendation.

[Scotto]

My very first sheng.

http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/firstSheng.jpg

2006 Autumn "Yi Wu Yeh Cha".
A definite, but enjoyable, smokiness.
(But not overwhelming like a Lapsang Souchong, which I can't abide).

Peach/apricot oolong undertones. Or are they overtones?

Good for about 6 infusions (tho' I'm gonna try a 7th now).

And a decided 'cranial lift' after the 3rd bowl.

All in all, something that could become habit-forming.

Regrettable ... :rolleyes:

- Richard

P.S. - Thanks to Scott for the recommendation.

I presume that is the Chen Guang-He Tang. Nice fruity tea and a good introduction. That is just the beginning, my friend....

[expatCanuck]

I presume that is the Chen Guang-He Tang. Nice fruity tea and a good introduction. That is just the beginning, my friend....Almost. Chen Guang-Ho Tang. Looking at the Hou de site, I can see that there are both Chen Guang-He Tang (some purple on the wrap) & Chen Guang-Ho Tang (brown on the wrap), -Ho being considerably less expensive.

- Richard

[Hobbesoxon]

Almost. Chen Guang-Ho Tang. Looking at the Hou de site, I can see that there are both Chen Guang-He Tang (some purple on the wrap) & Chen Guang-Ho Tang (brown on the wrap), -Ho being considerably less expensive.

- Richard

Good work on the tea! I'm getting thirsty looking at the photos...

Houde's spelling of Chinese in roman letters (pinyin) is the typically abysmal and erratic spelling of the Taiwanese. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Suzuki]

My very first sheng.



All in all, something that could become habit-forming.



You and your bank account are in big trouble...

Whenever I get into something I have to fight the temptation to go nuts, order everything and end up with a lot of stuff I don't need.

I was going to place a large order with YS, but decided to hold off a couple of weeks for a variety of reasons, including giving myself time to think about my selections a little more....

The only real result is that I'm going to be placing a larger order than I would have a couple of weeks ago :tongue_sm

[Scotto]

Almost. Chen Guang-Ho Tang. Looking at the Hou de site, I can see that there are both Chen Guang-He Tang (some purple on the wrap) & Chen Guang-Ho Tang (brown on the wrap), -Ho being considerably less expensive.

- Richard

Same producer, just erratic spelling as Hobbes indicates. The prices vary by the tea quality and harvest (in principle).

[ouch]

You and your bank account are in big trouble...

Whenever I get into something I have to fight the temptation to go nuts, order everything and end up with a lot of stuff I don't need.

I was going to place a large order with YS, but decided to hold off a couple of weeks for a variety of reasons, including giving myself time to think about my selections a little more....

The only real result is that I'm going to be placing a larger order than I would have a couple of weeks ago :tongue_sm

Truer words were never spoken.

'07 XZH dragon and phoenix
Finally got a handle on brewing this puppy, and my results have been much better, though still not thrilling. Stick with the 8582 if you're looking to buy a cheap XZH

[Hobbesoxon]

Truer words were never spoken.

'07 XZH dragon and phoenix
Finally got a handle on brewing this puppy, and my results have been much better, though still not thrilling. Stick with the 8582 if you're looking to buy a cheap XZH

I found the same, but am now motivated to give the ol' Longfeng a revisit, so thanks :chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

6g in 100mL gaiwan, at work. Boy, this is a weird tea. The sensations in the mouth are bizarre; very cooling/numbing. Drinking hot tea which at the same time feels ice cold is a strange sensation. Kind of hard to explain unless you have tried it. Not unpleasant, but different.

The aroma and taste are quite unique. I need to drink more to put my finger on it. Medium bitterness, fairly light body. Not sure yet whether I really like this or not. Might be a good candidate to put down for a few years.

[expatCanuck]

2008 Menghai "Peacock of Mengsong"
6g in 100mL gaiwan, at work. Boy, this is a weird tea. The sensations in the mouth are bizarre; very cooling/numbing. Drinking hot tea which at the same time feels ice cold is a strange sensation. Kind of hard to explain unless you have tried it. Not unpleasant, but different.

The aroma and taste are quite unique. I need to drink more to put my finger on it. Medium bitterness, fairly light body. Not sure yet whether I really like this or not. Might be a good candidate to put down for a few years.
I found the Chen Guang-Ho Tang to be mildly numbing.

[Hobbesoxon]

6g in 100mL gaiwan, at work. Boy, this is a weird tea. The sensations in the mouth are bizarre; very cooling/numbing. Drinking hot tea which at the same time feels ice cold is a strange sensation. Kind of hard to explain unless you have tried it. Not unpleasant, but different.

The aroma and taste are quite unique. I need to drink more to put my finger on it. Medium bitterness, fairly light body. Not sure yet whether I really like this or not. Might be a good candidate to put down for a few years.

Thanks for the notes, Monsieur. I'm hoping to get a cross-section of opinions from all of you tasters for this one.

(No rush, gentlemen.)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[expatCanuck]

2003 Autumn Chen-Guang-He Tang

6.75g in about 100 ml, give or take.

Not thrilled with this one. Thin, a bit of smoke, bitter. Nothing much else as far as flavor goes.
Hou de described it as:

Complex plum-like sweetness with a touch of cinnamon spiciness, in a thick and fragrant woody background ... no smokiness at all.Not my sample. Feh, I say. Gonna brew some Bai Hao Oolong to wash the taste out.

- Richard

[Scotto]

Thanks for the notes, Monsieur. I'm hoping to get a cross-section of opinions from all of you tasters for this one.

(No rush, gentlemen.)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

Hobbes, I believe you sent out the Menghai Peacock, no? This the Mengsong....

[Hobbesoxon]

Hobbes, I believe you sent out the Menghai Peacock, no? This the Mengsong....

Oh yes!

The Mengsong was good :chinese:

[Hobbesoxon]

At last, I got around to the 2008 Xiaguan FT Baoyan mushroom (jincha). Rocking tea. Limited due to its processing, but as rocking as Baoyan always is - with extra quality for the FT branding.

Perfect for working all that booze out of the system after Guest Night in the SCR. :chinese:


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

'05 Menghai 7542.

May have broken the leaves a bit too much today. I'm going back to my "wait until the chunk falls apart by itself" mode.

[Scotto]

Gorgeous looking tea. And the taste?

Doesn't justify the hype or price. Low toned and mushroomy, but very muted. Some interesting rock sugar tastes felt on the side of the tongue. Lots of bitterness comes in after the 3rd infusion. This one sort of reminds me of the 1st Pu'er Trade Fair (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/06/2005-changtai-1st-puer-trade-fair.html) cake that I own and adore, but it is not nearly as good.

[Hobbesoxon]

That tradefair bing is great. I'd love to find more! The Houde price was a bit much, though...

[Scotto]

~7g in 100mL Yixing. Very attractive aroma. Intense mint. Flavor is nice, but one-dimensional. Lots of mint/camphor, but little else. I liked their no-name brick (http://www.puerhshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_15&products_id=628) better.

Of all the sheng I had this week, the 2008 Mengku Bing Dao (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=804178&postcount=176) blew the doors off of everything. If subsequent tries are as favoarable, I'll be picking up a bing of this my next order.

[Hobbesoxon]

~7g in 100mL Yixing. Very attractive aroma. Intense mint. Flavor is nice, but one-dimensional. Lots of mint/camphor, but little else. I liked their no-name brick (http://www.puerhshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_15&products_id=628) better.

Of all the sheng I had this week, the 2008 Mengku Bing Dao (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=804178&postcount=176) blew the doors off of everything. If subsequent tries are as favoarable, I'll be picking up a bing of this my next order.

I have the Douji brick - disappointing, yes. I'm losing my immense Douji enthusiasm after three straight failures in a row, from 2007-2008.

I'll order a sample of the 2008 Shuangjiang Mengku Bingdao soon - it sounds as if you enjoyed it!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[SCWilson]

Yesterday I had Chen Guang-Ho Tang Autumn 2006 "Yi Wu Ye Cha" (brown wrapper). About a quarter full of leaves or slightly less in a 100ml gaiwan. I got about 6 or 7 infusions out of it. I'm in love! This is very habbit forming. Now I really have to watch my bank account. I have too many AD's now.

[ouch]

'07 Yong Pin Hao yiwu

This is becoming one of my favorite pedestrian brews. No strengths, no faults. Decent and satisfying.

Good tea is great tea.

[Scotto]

This turned out to be an interesting experiment. I had ordered samples of this tea as well as the 2008 Mengku Shuangjiang Bing Dao in my last order from YSLLC. Unfortunately, the samples were mislabeled, so it wasn't clear which was which.

Luckily, tasting made it easy. This is a really nice adolescent pu'er. It has picked up enough of that aged character to be interesting; mahogany, leather, old books. No sign of wet mustiness. The flavor is very sweet and there is a decent cooling sensation on the tongue. Quite nice and a reasonable price for a 6 year old tea. The aroma alone is worth the price of admission.

[Suzuki]

This turned out to be an interesting experiment. I had ordered samples of this tea as well as the 2008 Mengku Shuangjiang Bing Dao in my last order from YSLLC. Unfortunately, the samples were mislabeled, so it wasn't clear which was which.

Luckily, tasting made it easy. This is a really nice adolescent pu'er. It has picked up enough of that aged character to be interesting; mahogany, leather, old books. No sign of wet mustiness. The flavor is very sweet and there is a decent cooling sensation on the tongue. Quite nice and a reasonable price for a 6 year old tea. The aroma alone is worth the price of admission.

Are you sure that's the right tea?

I have a bing of this one and thought it wasn't very good - flat and bitter. I sent Ouch a sample and he thought the same thing...

Its possible I had a bad cake...

[Scotto]

Hmmmm, the plot thickens. We need another datapoint.

[expatCanuck]

'07 Yong Pin Hao yiwu

This is becoming one of my favorite pedestrian brews. No strengths, no faults. Decent and satisfying.

Good tea is great tre.
On the fruity side?
(as it were ...)

Mushrooms? Leather? Old books? Tobacco? Sweat socks?

Can you give us some insight into the flavour?

[ouch]

'08 Peacock of Menghai. (Mondo thanks to David!)

First off, this tastes nothing like peacock. :001_rolle

I found this to be a fairly mild brew, with minimal bitterness and chaqi. No odd tastes or sensations here, just a mildly building sweetness. Not much in the way of floral components, and it doesn't strike me as woody at all. Any mushroom flavor seems more along the line of the barely perceptible taste of auricula ("cloud ears/ tree mushrooms"), and fruit seems llimited to a muted rambutan. I seem to get hints of clove and sichuan pepper rather than a more overt camphor or menthol.

Price independent, this is a cake I'd be proud, if not thrilled, to have in the ever expanding pantry, but don't take that as a recommendation, as I'm still in the "I'm buying everything" mode. I'd like to try the others in the line before I'd commit. Still, it's a tasty, nice tea. With price considered, it really shows its charm. Most bings in the sub-$20 range are marginal at best (even if you like them) and are often total disapointments. This one doesn't rock my world, but if I purchased it blind, I'd think I did okay.

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan Fei Tai Xi Zi tuo

It may not provide the "floaty feeling" described by YSLLC's Scott, but I like this one a lot. Hard enough to fossilize a trapped insect. Appears to be a blue chipper for the long haul. Yum.

[expatCanuck]

'08 Xiaguan Fei Tai Xi Zi tuo

It may not provide the "floaty feeling" described by YSLLC's Scott, but I like this one a lot. Hard enough to fossilize a trapped insect. Appears to be a blue chipper for the long haul. Yum.
This one (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Happy-Tuo-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-in-box-100g_W0QQitemZ350075159321QQihZ022QQ)?

[ouch]

This one (http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Xiaguan-FT-Happy-Tuo-Raw-Pu-erh-tea-in-box-100g_W0QQitemZ350075159321QQihZ022QQ)?

The same. One of the few Xiaguans that can be purchased locally. Good stuff. Even the missus likes it.

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan Fei Tai mafia series Nan Zhou

Another winner. Xiaguan has been delivering one hit after another for me recently.

[Scotto]

'08 Xiaguan Fei Tai mafia series Nan Zhou

Another winner. Xiaguan has been delivering one hit after another for me recently.

Are these available at puerhshop?







I hope not, since my wallet is already crying

[ouch]

Are these available at puerhshop?







I hope not, since my wallet is already crying


No. PS has the mushroom tuo (as you know) and the Gold Ribbon tuo. Angelina's has these two nice ones-
http://angelinasteas.com/oscommerce/index.php?cPath=47_89&sort=2a&page=4&osCsid=26beb58d8cfca5247961cfc13aef76ac

I don't mind paying two bucks a tuo more to get them in a matter of days.




(My last delivery was intercepted by der Fuhrer, and if I fail to catch the mailman tomorrow, I'll be in a world of hurt.)
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=32779&stc=1&d=1224775078

[expatCanuck]

(My last delivery was interecpted by der Fuhrer, and if I fail to catch the mailman tomorrow, I'll be in a world of hurt.)
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=32779&stc=1&d=1224775078
If I were to receive a package anything like that, I'd be in a world far beyond hurt.
But, damn, that does look nice.

[ouch]

'08 DeHong brick

I see why this is Chris's daily staple.

[expatCanuck]

2008 Bulang Arbor brick just arrived at my desk.
Sampled moments thereafter.
I'm liking this. Much. :biggrin:

Understated sweetness / fruit notes. No perceived smokiness. A hint of bitterness, but not unpleasant.


Many thanks for the head's up.

- Richard

P.S. - I guess it's time to flip the switch on the female organ tea.

edit: Infusions 3-5
Initial sweetness with a bitter aftertaste, exacerbated as it cools. Perhaps I broke up the leaf too much?
Still happy with this tea.

edit: Infusions 7-8 (20-30s)
Nice. Bitterness gone. Thickish yellow liquor. (No, I'm not lithping.)
Warm apricot/peach tones. A bit of tongue numbness, and a distinct Bulang buzz.

[ouch]

Part 1

'08 Yiwu zhengshan Bulang arbor brick
Price: ~$12 for 250g = pretty cheap
Leaf appearance: top notch. Most of the bricks I've tried use leaf that is marginal at best, but (as evidenced in Scotto's pics) these are lovely


Arbor, shmarbor. Who knows/cares. This is a very nice product. It seems to dry my mouth out more than others, but has a nice kick. I really like Bulang, it would appear. An excellent value for those who had the good fortune to grab it up.

[ouch]

Part 2

Holy moly. I thought the '08 Yiwu Zhengshan Bulang brick was a bargain at $12. Try five bucks a brick!

'07 Xiaquan Bao Yan brick
Price: $4.99 for 250g brick = you've got to be kidding
Leaf appearance: none too impressive

Everything I know tells me to run like hell from this brick. I mean, tea for $9 a pound? No way. By all rights, I should be vomiting uncontrollably as I type.

Nope. This is a really good tea, far better than one has any right to expect given the price. Huge chunks of twigs are visible in the pressing, and the leaf appears to consist of whatever was on hand. It's a very good idea to not fiddle with it too much- just pry off an adequately sized chunk or two and have at it. The brew is amber and oily, and much more cloudy than you're probably accustomed. I wouldn't try this without my trusty strainer handy. Yet the result is tasty and comforting. I could honestly drink this every day. It tastes young, but displays the kind of backgone that would indicate a rosy future.

Jim at PS was kind enough to include the original wrapper that I will retain for posterity. It houses five 250g bricks- that's a kilo and a quarter for $25. :w00t:

In a world of $6 samples, this is a welcome, albeit humble, tea. My highest praise: not a ripoff.

[Scotto]

6g in 100mL Yixing. Honest golden soup. Peach nectar, apricots. This is a medium bodied tea; not as sweet and fruity as something like the DeHong brick, and not as low toned as some aged teas. Complex enough to keep you interested infusion to infusion. Quite a nice tea.

Mengku Shuangjiang is on a roll with me. Perhaps we need a Xiaguan versus Mengku battle.

[expatCanuck]

'07 Xiaquan Bao Yan brickIs this the flame brick, or a different one?

[ouch]

Is this the flame brick, or a different one?

The flame same.

[Scotto]

About 6g in 100mL Yixing. Accompanied by Steely Dan's Aja on the iPod.

As I drank this throughout the afternoon, I went from "I should get a cake of this", to "maybe I'll get a cake", to "Nah". Simple and fruity, but needs to be bullied severely to get any oomph out of it. Just average.

[ouch]

Mengku Shuangjiang is on a roll with me. Perhaps we need a Xiaguan versus Mengku battle.

I've been trying very hard to find a youtube video of Bugs Bunny slapping someone in the mug with a glove, duel challenge style. No luck.

Having had good luck with the Nan Zhao and Xi Zi "happy" tous and the FT mushroom, I pressed my luck with the ultra cheap Tibetan brick (I know, I'm a real sport). It was good enough to keep my lucky Xiaguan streak going.

Today was another go at the happy tuo. The nest has some pretty tips pressed into the exterior for a nice look, but they don't extend inside. No matter- a really nice and pleasant brew overall. Pick breakingly dense, too.

[Suzuki]

About 6g in 100mL Yixing. Accompanied by Steely Dan's Aja on the iPod.

As I drank this throughout the afternoon, I went from "I should get a cake of this", to "maybe I'll get a cake", to "Nah". Simple and fruity, but needs to be bullied severely to get any oomph out of it. Just average.

That's about right - good, but nothing fancy.

As I've said before, I really like the cakes with light compression and this one has a great appearance and lovely leaves that can be individually separated with ease - but that's no reason to buy a tea...

I have a limited (6) selection of cakes and wanted to experiment with them a bit before making an order - but am ready to make the plunge.

I'm likely going to order from YS (but will take suggestions for other vendors and might spread it around a bit). Before I do, I'd like to hear what folks suggest in terms of their favourite shengs

[Jim]

http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14550

1998 Lincang CNNP Green wrapper

[thirdeye]

Jim, you have enough there for a party. Do you think your little pot will keep it hot 'til I get there....?

[Jim]

Jim, you have enough there for a party. Do you think your little pot will keep it hot 'til I get there....?

Haha.... thats about 4 ounces tops! But hey, no sweat bring your bing and stop by.

[Scotto]

6g in 100mL gaiwan.

I like the funk that comes with this tea. Smoky, pungent, and yummy.

[SCWilson]

Yesterday I had 2008 Guoyan "Deep Mountain, Old Tree" that Scott at YS recommended. I have to say that I thought that it was very good.

[ouch]

'06 Mengku, unknown blend
Overly bitter and bland. Literally a "fruitless" endeavor.

'07 Xiaguan Tibetan brick
I can't believe I wasn't hallucinating the first time I tried this- it's really good stuff. Breaking it up as little as possible seems the key to reducing cloudiness. Excellent strength and sweetness for a song. By far the better of today's two selections.

[Proinsias]

1990 Menghai area brick (http://teamasters.blogspot.com/2006/01/puer-teas-striptease.html) from Stéphane Erler at Tea Masters (http://teamasters.blogspot.com/). I've had this for about a year and enjoy it once a month or so. A nice relaxed and subdued aged sheng which I find excellent for the price, around $50 for a fair sized brick.

I blogged it here (http://kungfutea.blogspot.com/2008/02/1990-raw-fang-zhuan.html) some time ago but my brewing methods and opinions haven't changed much since.

As the weather has been cooling rapidly here over the past few weeks I find myself drawn to teas which have been through more of an ordeal to get to my living room than I was in summer months eg roasted, oxidized, fermented, aged etc.

[ouch]

Nice blog! Wish you had more entries.

[Hobbesoxon]

I have no idea what I'm drinking today, because it was an unlabelled sample from Yunnan Sourcing... as fate would have it, the flavours are great and the quality is decent. What on earth is it?!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[ouch]

I have no idea what I'm drinking today, because it was an unlabelled sample from Yunnan Sourcing... as fate would have it, the flavours are great and the quality is decent. What on earth is it?!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes


How are you managing to enjoy a cup amidst the move?:confused:

Good luck!



'08 Menghai 8582 801
Wife's choice. Good on the 4th through 10th infusions.

[Hobbesoxon]

How are you managing to enjoy a cup amidst the move?:confused:

Good luck!


Love thy Office :chinese:

[Scotto]

12 pages of shengpu - go figure.

Anyway, I am drinking this at work (100mL gaiwan), so I don't have time to intellectualize much. This is a nicely full-bodied tea without much bitterness. There are some nice, fruity Yiwu notes and an interesting grainy/graham cracker taste in the background. I am not yet jumping out of my chair to buy this one, but so far I am happy with this tea. I hope to have a chance to enjoy it at home under more leisurely circumstances soon to better contemplate its depths.

[expatCanuck]

2007 Xiaguan Bao Yan brick
Price: $4.99 for 250g brick = you've got to be kidding
Leaf appearance: none too impressive

Everything I know tells me to run like hell from this brick. I mean, tea for $9 a pound? No way. By all rights, I should be vomiting uncontrollably as I type.

Nope. This is a really good tea, far better than one has any right to expect given the price. Huge chunks of twigs are visible in the pressing, and the leaf appears to consist of whatever was on hand. It's a very good idea to not fiddle with it too much- just pry off an adequately sized chunk or two and have at it. The brew is amber and oily, and much more cloudy than you're probably accustomed. I wouldn't try this without my trusty strainer handy. Yet the result is tasty and comforting. I could honestly drink this every day. ...


... '07 Xiaguan Tibetan brick
I can't believe I wasn't hallucinating the first time I tried this- it's really good stuff. Breaking it up as little as possible seems the key to reducing cloudiness. Excellent strength and sweetness for a song. By far the better of today's two selections.+ 1/2

Tasty tea, tho' I'm not as fond of it as Jay. I'd say it's a good tea but, for me, not a really good tea.

As many shou notes to me as sheng, tho' some fruit notes are definitely there, tho' not in abundance.

If you like the darker, more mushroomy teas, you'll probably like this. And at $5 a brick, why not try?

I'm glad I heeded Jay's advice about not trying to extract the perfect leaves (which are indeed nasty looking).

Currently, my tastes run towards teas with lighter, oolong/fruit notes (pear/peach/apricot/plum). I much prefer the 2008 Yiwu Bulang Arbor brick (sadly now sold out).

That said, this 2007 Xiaguan 'Tibetan flame' will indeed be a welcome beverage when coming in from walking the dog on those colder New England winter nights.

- Richard

P.S. - Doesn't provide the Bulang buzz, but definitely a distinct lift.

[ouch]

I much prefer the 2008 Yiwu Bulang Arbor brick (sadly now sold out).


Who's fault is that?

The B&B crew cleaned them out!

[Milbink]

Who's fault is that?

The B&B crew cleaned them out!

Yup I got two bricks.

Enjoying a cup right now!:tongue_sm

Cheers,

Adam

[Suzuki]

2005 Yiwu - decent, but that's it.

[ouch]

'08 Xiauguan Fei Tai jin cha mushroom tuo.

Describing the taste of a tea (or a wine, beer, etc.) is no easy task. Some overt flavors may be obvious, but many of the subtleties that make an item compelling come as haunting wisps, appearing for the briefest of moments then fading to obscurity, sometimes never to be seen again. That's why I've always felt that a great wine, for example, is something to be experienced rather than described. What good does it to say "a beautiful blueberry note appeared at the 43 second mark" when that moment may never again be duplicated? The same goes for tea. What's in my cup today may differ significantly from tomorrow, even if I exactly replicate the process and use the same tea, so describing the session with great specificity quickly reaches a point of dimishing returns. That's just the way it is.

The flavors of pu'er may be the most elusive of any type of tea. It can be beautiful or brutal, simple or astounding, delightful or devilish, sometimes all at the same time. I find the Xiaguan mushroom tuo to be an exemplar of how I feel pu'er should taste. It may be far from the best sheng, but it has all of the properties I look for. The more I try it, the more I like it, but the more annoying I find the ridiculous level of compression in the tuo. It's hard to get deep inside it without producing too much unusable dust. I find it brews best with a small, whole chunk that may take five or so infusions to completely fall apart. Not a problem, as it has good staying power.

It's one of my favorites, and at the equivalent of roughly $20 per standard size cake, it's a top competitor at that price range.

[Scotto]

Still drinking 2007 Guoyan Phoenix from yesterday. The wet leaves hung out in my gaiwan at work until today, and it is still going strong maybe 15 infusions later.

[Suzuki]

2005 Yiwu - decent, but that's it.

3 sessions yesterday - continuing with it today.

[Scotto]

2008 Bulang brick (now sold out)

Great little tea. This tastes just like real masala chai you get at a good Indian restaurant - creamy, spicy tea. Very nice. I am glad I was the guinea pig on this one.

[expatCanuck]

At breakfast -- continuing the session from the evening before last.
It's done now.

A good tea ... with legs. As it were.

My initial thoughts (which remain unchanged) here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=825241&postcount=234).

[ouch]

'08 Yiwu Zhengshan no-name brick.

As usual, whenever I disagree with Scotto's assessment of anything, I like to revisit the item. As usual, he's right and I'm wrong. This little brick is really delightful- not much in the way of fruit, but loaded with spice. It's a great, no nonsense sheng. Wish I had a second brick.

[Jim]

6g in 100mL Yixing,sipping as I type. Not very pleasant at this point. Very astringent,more so as it cools.

[Hobbesoxon]

A 2007 Simao maocha (http://half-dipper.blogspot.com/2007/10/2007-simao-maocha.html), brewed commando-style (in a glass jug - thx moving house). Brutal, delicious. Filled with all sorts of rampant chaqi and benevolent toxins. I missed you, shengpu.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Scotto]

2008 Peacock of Mengsong. Not as nice as the Menghai, but still a very nice tea. I am curious to try the other 4 Peacocks....

[ouch]

'08 Xiaguan FT Xi Zi

I could throw out all of my other pu'ers and get along just fine.

[Scotto]

2008 Purple Brick of Dehong.

Lovely tea, and perfect for work consumption. The, er, special aroma is there loud and clear as well.

[kreigle]

2002 Mengku Spring Tips White Label - one of the samples I just received from YSLLC.

5 infusions so far and very smoky. I wish my sinus infiction would go away so I could taste it better.

[R-James]

12 Gent chun ya shen yun, used no scales too many leaves tasted like a horses ass composted with soil. Removed some of the leaves and I got a musty autumnal warming tea.