I’ve come to really appreciate Bulang pu-erh. I have had CLT’s 2014 Bulang (raw) and really appreciate the flavors, aromatics, and tea drunkenness often brought on by the sessions. However, I’ve finally opened the sample package of this one, and I must say that I’m fond of this tea.
The first steeps are layered with earth, wet wood, and a pinch of dirt (not the unplesant kind, though). I had had 8 infusions before I had to increase the temperature and steep time; although, I had added only very little leaf (which was eyeballed) into the gaiwan (roughly 4g/120ml) compared to the gaiwan size.
As the last three steeps—3 minutes, 4 minutes, and 5 minutes—were increased, I had more flavors jump out from the liquor. I’ve discovered that there were ‘dark fruits’ (cherries?) and dark rich flavors dancing on the tongue—perhaps chocolate mixed with wood chips? Either way, it really decided to open up with a vast newness that had yet previously shown itself in shorter steeps. So, with the conclusion, I might try experimenting with the rest of the sample—to see what’ll happen if I Western-style brew this; compared to flash steeps starting from 5s-30s, and beyond.
Flavors: Cherry, Chocolate, Dirt, Wet Earth, Wood
