China Pu-Erh Tuocha (572)

Tasty pu-erh, though I was a bit disappointed at the strength of this tea…the steeping instructions really should read 5-6 minutes, not 3-4. But that’s just my personal opinion. Perhaps under different steeping circumstances, this would have turned out better, so I will have to try it again later (under different circumstances).

I’ve been hearing about this type of tea a lot lately so when I asked about it the tea shop in my area gave me a sample to try. I was instantly drawn to it after the first sip despite it’s slightly fishy scent. They say it gets better with age and I must say I am a bit intrigued to taste that possibility.

I have never had the opportunity to sample the pricier range of pu-erh that has ripened for at least a decade, but these mini nests are undoubtedly a good way to get acquainted with the flavour.

Pu-erh is – more so than any other tea – an acquired taste. To me it is rich and earthy and compares completely to the smell of a forest floor after a heavy rainshower in summer. Notes of old wood are also there, but the tea has a very mild taste to it, there is barely a hint of sourness or anything bitter in it. Virtually no astringency.

The best tea that exists. This tea is far more deserving of the term “ancient trees”. It’s like having a picnic of mushrooms on a moss-covered fairy garden oak crevice. Smells like a 1,000 year old Chinese farm and a tastes like a stark fermented tree bark. 10/10!

Bought this at TeaGschwendner in Chicago and LOVE it, ordered a bunch more yesterday and really love the nuance of the earth and richness of flavor. One of my new favorites!

It’s interesting how this tea is made but, honestly, I couldn’t drink this. It tastes way too earthy for me.