84 Tasting Notes
First cup was much lighter in color than the second; maybe because the leaf rested in between.
Tastes smooth, sweet and like slightly leathery/earthy caramel, with aroma to match. There is a very gentle tart-like juiciness that lingers after drinking. Mellow and lovely.
Will save the leaves to steep again later.
I say this every time, but think this is my favorite ripe mandala pu’er sample so far – so gentle. :)
Preparation
This is a very lovely fragrant tea.
It reminds me of the Taiwanese teas I have had, with the interesting fruity and unusual spice notes that I can never describe. This one tastes more toasty though and is lighter in the fruitiness – quite delicious.
Preparation
Oh my… with milk added to the cup, this tastes exactly like chocolate malted milk candy.
Smooth, rich and creamy and velvety – so good!
A super delicious vanilla tea!!
Preparation
Interesting – This immediately reminded of old books.
Dark brew. Tastes smooth and rich with spices, wood and leather.
My favorite dark pu’er sample so far.
Rinse/rest/rinse/approx:10/15/20/30s..
Preparation
My first whispering pines order arrived just when I needed it most it seems, and I was so happy to come home to find the box at my door after a long day at the hospital.
This is what I brewed to sit and relax with, as I knew I would love it. And I was right.
Cocoa, malt, toasty bread, and a bit of spice and fruitiness. So perfectly sweet and delicious!!
Second steep just as tasty and has more spicy fruit and potato notes. Yum!
Preparation
I had it too today. The new version. It is delicious . Period,
It is! This would be the new version also I think – I never had the old one but am happy I have this now.
I am glad to see a review of the new version.
It is really good, and I’m sure you’ll love it. :)
Well, I have not had a tea quite like this before, and it is a whole new wonderful experience.
Rinse, then brewed 10 seconds for a couple steeps so far, and saving the leaves for another time.
Tastes of dried fruits with the freshness of pine and wee hint of smoke; a bit of pleasant bitterness sort of like a green pepper. Smells incredibly like apricots – so lovely. The whole sensation of drinking it is different though, from my usual teas, and I almost feel like I am drinking a magical potion. :)
Preparation
i haven’t tried the 2014 yet but the 2012 is probably my favourite puerh to date.
Nice. I liked this one a lot – they are probably similar a bit I would imagine.
They are not similar (to me at least). and yay another puerh lover emerging
Haha, ok. :-)
i’m not sure if that makes me happy or sad boychik. haha i love 2012 so much.
I dont think I’ve tried the 2014 either, but do enjoy the 2012 :)
i bought a 2014 cake with my second 2012 so i’ll try to remember to send you some terri
I’ll be curious to see how you like the 2014 in comparison. :)
maybe i’ll get a chance this weekend, though no promises as we’re trying to clean our house from top to bottom this weekend!
Hehe, that’s ok. But hope the cleaning job isn’t too hard and you’ll have time to relax as well! :)
I think you all have the bad batch lot of this. You all should send them to me for proper disposal.
lol
hahaha! :-)
Quick rinse and then brewed for around 30 seconds. I re-steeped this a few more times; probably a minute on the second one then much longer and finally left the leaves in for over 15 minutes. No bitterness at any point and although the last cup was considerably weaker, it was still delicious and flavourful.
Tastes like chocolate and caramel, especially at first, and has the tiniest hint of gentle earthiness. Very smooth, with a soft aroma. I am not good at describing more than that, but this has been a favorite of the mandala ripe sampler so far… I like the gentleness of it, especially the smell.
Preparation
My second to try from the ripe pu’er sampler.
Rinse, rest, rinse again quickly and steep 20 – 30 seconds. Several steeps over a couple days.
Brews a dark, deep brown color.
Tastes very rich and smooth, with milk chocolate, nuts, and some woodiness. Quite tasty and satisfying.
I seemed to enjoy this more the year of the dragon sample I had the other day – not sure why, but I think this had a sweeter aroma.
i had mini tuo couple days ago. So good. nice leaves, not chopped. i liked it even more than loose Temple Stairs
They look so cute too. :)
How many grams are those?
Ah, just saw your review! Same amount
5g. i just reviewed with pics;)
Thank you!
By the way, do you ever use your goldfish gaiwan for puerh? I wanted to ask you if it is 150 ml to the top of the rim where the strainer holes are or to the very top.
Oh wait, I just looked at it again on ebay and the description below the top picture says 130 mls. :)
I think allowing the leaf to re-hydrate helps in the brew.
mrmopar, I was thinking that since this is loose already it wouldn’t make much difference. It did a bit though, so you are right that the leaves must have plumped up after sitting. I noticed more in the color than taste but that is likely because I am not so familiar with the tastes yet. :)
yeah I try to let any puerh sit for 20 mins or so ater the wash. I think it brings a bit more to the table, er I mean cup in the end. Glad you liked this one! You are now on a journey..
Thanks! ;)
No need to thank me I learned this one from a friend a while back. Always happy to share.
@calie, it is 130cc but I measure out 100. I love this gaiwan. So sturdy. If I ever find it in 100cc wouldn’t think even a sec. I like to use it when I’m sampling. My Yixing is still young and stealing flavors. So porcelain is pretty neutral . If I’m just drinking not sampling I use Yixing . I do see the difference.
Thank you, boychik. I am thinking of getting that one – it looks nice and is a good size for me I think. I just realized that my favorite cup holds just over 4 ounces which is about the same size.. all along I thought it was holding 8 ounces lol
caile, all I can say is I constantly using this gaiwan . It has good feeling when you hold it. There are others w/diff designs on ebay or Aliexpress. Try to get the same shape. Some if them have different sides where you grip it and not very comfortable and leaves get stuck inside. I got it fr rebeccali . Good seller.
Sounds good! This will be the one I’ll get. :)