Today I tried altering my method to approximate what other reviewers did, to see if I could duplicate their experience. Used 2tsp of leaf and just below boiling water. First cup steeped 3 minutes. The longer steep and slightly hotter water gave a brew that was again very flavorful. Instead of mushroom, this time I get a pleasant earthiness and the peach notes that Harney mentions as the cup cools. It is not a strong note, only a hint, but it is there. Also quite a creamy mouth feel. The second cup I went 4 minutes. The peach notes are gone leaving a rich earthy flavor with less creaminess. Also notice the tongue tingling, followed by a cool breath feel. Third and fourth cup, is straight earthy sheng. Altering the time and temps did alter my perception of this tea. Still, my experience was different than the others reported.
Fifth cup. 5 minutes. While sitting here waiting on the tea, I started to grab a Hot Tamale (cinnamon candy) to munch. At the last instant in a fit of brilliance, or possible insanity, decided to toss a couple in the cup instead. Dude, I think I’m on to something! It was not enough to call it hot by anyone’s standards, just sweet and mildly spicy. This is good. I need to try this with a shu some time. I have never heard of a cinnamon puerh, so until I find out otherwise, I hear by plant my flag and claim this as my own blend.
Sixth cup, 5 minutes. Added 5 Hot Tamales to the cup. Turned the brew cranberry color. Smells strong of cinnamon candy but still not as hot as I would like. With a little work by someone who knew what they were doing this could be a really neat blend. What to call it? Hot and Spicy Poo? That’s probably almost copyright infringement. I know… Flaming Poo! Yeah, I like that. Hey, 52Teas or Man Teas, if you send me some, you can use the name. lol.
If you decide to try this, just be careful, the carnuaba wax turns clear and does not completely dissolve.
