I think this tea is aging quite nicely. I only have a sample of it, but it’s a nice one to drink with a full body, strong and clean taste, and powerful energy. The only aspect that’s lacking is the aroma, but that’s not such an issue for a sheng.
I don’t find the bitterness to be overpowering, it’s very pleasant in fact, even when using boiling water to brew the tea. It’s a strong herbaceous and woody bitterness that quickly transforms into a fragrant sweetness. There are also some floral sour notes in the finish, that, together with the very mineral aftertaste, remind me of high mountain oolongs. Thanks to the protracted aftertaste, the tea stays with you for a long time. The liquor slides down the mouth easily. It has a buttery and slightly powdery mouthfeel and medium viscosity. Drinking this tea makes me sweat a bit, but it’s most noticeable effect is the mind clarity and perception enhancement I get from it. The qi is one of the nicest ones I found, yet it’s not overpowering at all.
I don’t have much to say with regards to particular flavours, it is a very tasty tea for sure though, albeit quite a standard sheng taste profile. I have a feeling it will age well too. The price seems about right to me, it’s neither overpriced nor a steal. However, because it’s not so distinctive, I don’t think I will be tempted enough to get a cake.
Flavors: Bitter, Butter, Dry Grass, Drying, Floral, Flowers, Herbaceous, Mineral, Pleasantly Sour, Stonefruit, Sweet, Wet Rocks, Wood
