a question for sheng puerh tea lovers
i absolutely love smokey shengs!
does anyone here love smokey shengs?
if so, what do you love about it?
It depends, the smoke has to not been too smokey and has some other interesting notes along with it. I like that it adds an extra layer or a nice warmth to it.
If the smoke is the main flavor and overwhelms the other notes, then why not drink a smoked Lapsang Souchong or steep up a charcoal briquette.
I don’t think so, YS has so many shengs. I’ve come across plenty, under a cheap tier and less than 2 years old. Out of the good, stronger smokey, I’d say another vote for 2012 Wild Monk, even drank back in 2013 it was good.
I know one that is regarded as very smokey is W2T’s Old Bear. I have a sample, but haven’t tried it.
I think there are parallels for people liking smokey teas with also liking notes of peaty, scotch, boozey things too. It’s not sheng, but when W2t club sent out some crazy smokey heicha awhile back, half of us tasted a gut wrenching smoke bomb, others thought it was deliciously peaty like scotch.
Sheng is my preference but I prefer sweet or cream notes with earth rather than smoke. I find young and cheap Sheng can be very smoky. Some can be nice but it depends, there are different elements of smoke. Velvet soft smoke, something smooth is nice with Sheng but strong pine smoke is overwhelming. To me personally anyway. :)
The only smokey sheng I’ve ever loved is Wild Monk 2012 from Mandala Tea. It was outstanding and it’s not available anymore. You could always try the Wild Monk 2014. To me it wasn’t the same but it may improve with age.
So what smokey shengs have you loved? You didn’t mention which ones.
these two are the best in this order:
2. http://www.teavivre.com/raw-puerh-tea-tuocha-100g/
this one doesent qualify because there is not enough smoke, however its awesome and my most favourite sheng:
there are a few others that im not sure if they qualify or not, but the names escape me. if you wish, you could go through my reviews log for the past few months (or all if you desire to)
XiaGuan products are often smoky. The Smoky Lee from Puerhsk has a bite to it I am told. The Chen Xiang from Yunnan Sourcing has some smoke to it as well. Essence of Tea has a few with smoke but the price tier is a bit higher than the factory stuff.
my memory is a bit foggy since the last time i tried one. however the few i had maybe one or two were smokey? i forget. its best to go through my log
The various Purple Dayi’s have a reputation for smoke. The one I have was quite smoky, I forget what year it is. I think I got it from Berylleb.
just a note these are ones i tried that are smokey:
these two are the best in this order:
2. http://www.teavivre.com/raw-puerh-tea-tuocha-100g/
this one doesent qualify because there is not enough smoke, however its awesome and my most favourite sheng:
there are a few others that im not sure if they qualify or not, but the names escape me. if you wish, you could go through my reviews log for the past few months (or all if you desire to)
I just tried this tea and thought it was still quite smokey.
https://www.essenceoftea.com/tea/puerh-tea/2001-jingmai-ancient-tree.html
Missed your original question – I enjoy a hint of smoke sometimes if it transforms into something else, but a persistent smokiness on my palate becomes cloying. Sometimes I enjoy when it adds another dimension of complexity, especially if I’ve been drinking lots of rather sweet teas lately, it mixes things up a bit.
i plan on ordering these and a few samples for christmas
http://www.puerhjunky.com/product/11-bulang-green-brick-xinghai-tea-co/
http://www.puerhjunky.com/product/2012-golden-peacock-yapu-ancient-tea-factory/
i also plan on trying “the hot brew club” monthly subscription :D
If you are planning on a Christmas order you might want to wait and see what Black Friday sales show up. You might find better tea at a cheaper price. Have you bought from Puerhjunky before? I have no idea if they are a good site. Are they Canadian?
Look for teas from Wu Liang and Ai Lao, I’ve found these to have some healthy smoke and tobacco qualities… I think Xia Guan gets material from these regions for their recipes.
Yes generally speaking if you are looking for smoky sheng Xiaguan is a good choice, they tend to be smoky but are not always smoky.
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