2004 Nanjian Phoenix Superior Grade Yunnan Tuocha

I’m still learning what to expect from Sheng but I can say that I did enjoy this tea. it does seem to be pretty sensitive to brewing parameters with the early steeps. I’ll have to work with this to nail down the notes of flavor but I look forward to doing so. The leaves definitely had a smoky smell initially. This tea has some real viscous qualities, almost heavy in the mouth and is downright crazy as far as sheer intensity of flavor goes. I can perceive numerous flavors and notes thought the individual infusions especially after the smokiness subsides about steep number 4. I also get a real perception of fresh green hops for 2 or 3 infusions, followed by very faint aura of kumquats as the last of the tea is spent. I also notice that this (as with other younger sheng) that it is a really good bronchial dilator, it seems to improve my breathing ability, which as an asthmatic is a good thing.

Nice sheng, slightly astringent but not overpowering. A tiny bit smoky in the first infusions, but it mellows out. Keeping the steeps relatively short. Used 6g of leaf in a 6oz Yixing pot. One 10s rinse followed by a minute rest and went 15s, 10s, and up from there.

My only complaint is that the tuo cha is so tightly compressed. I decimated most of the leaves trying to pry them off.

The first steep was light and ‘barely there’. On the second steep the flavor woke up, and I am enjoying it. It has a light scent of apricot and cut grass. It’s very mild with little bitterness. Still learning to taste.

Having ordered a selection of young sheng to educate my palette, I’m finding the elements I enjoy in a pu-erh changing rapidly and drastically.

The third steep turned out nastily bitter because I accidentally over steeped. The forth turned out pleasant light and sweet with little bitterness.

Gongfu style: 20s rinse, 20s first steep, 15s second, ~20+ third, ~15 forth…