261 Tasting Notes
I’m going to have to take back what I wrote in my previous review. This tea has really grown on me. After a meh experience with the “Xinghai Aged Aroma” Pu Er that I loved on first tasting (it smells better than it tastes), I’ve realised how awesome this Xin Hai Bai Nian is. It’s sweet, mild, unassuming yet pleasing and so eminently drinkable. I think it might be worth the $60+ after all.
Upgrading from 88 to 92.
Whoa. The aroma of this tea is almost exactly like that of the old shoe closet in my parent’s house. The smell of leather that is clean, but worn in a humid environment.
The flavour of the tea is smooth, with a bright cacao bitter chocolate flavour.
Not so good with milk. Doesn’t pair so well with savoury food or sweet fruit (lychee), but I might try it with desserts in future.
While I can see how some people would love this tea, especially those looking for a more “aged” and distinguished pu er, I think I’m still too early in my pu er journey to be able to appreciate this and it doesn’t quite fit into my lifestyle.
Rating: 65
Flavors: Cacao, Dark Bittersweet, Leather
Preparation
Lovely mild, sweet fermented-rice flavour. Tastes great with milk.
Great Pu Er but probably not worth the $64 price tag… I’d rather save up for the Xinghai Aged Aroma for a high-end pu er, or buy the Menghai 7262 on the lower end.
Flavors: Rice
Preparation
The aroma of this tea is incredible. It truly smells like warm, spicy, sweet gingerbread.
1st infusion 180˚F
The flavour is lighter than the smell, but it is so good anyway. I am so consistently impressed by Yunnan Sourcing’s Dan Cong oolongs and red teas!
2nd infusion 185˚F
Ooh, the tea is thicker, stronger with great body and mouthfeel now. Really tastes like drinking ginger tea!
Flavors: Ginger, Spicy, Sweet
Preparation
This has a very bold, unique aroma. Somehow nostalgic, reminds me of a childhood playing in funky-smelling canal water in the tropics.
Strong, slightly bitter earthy mushroom Pu Er taste, pretty mild / blunt and smooth. Unfortunately, it’s not for me but I’m glad I got to sample it. Worth trying once for Pu Er enthusiasts just in case it might be up your alley.
Rating: 65
Preparation
Just finished the last of my Rhythm 21. Brewed at 200˚F and it was probably the perfect temperature. Just on the edge of bitter, with a lot of astringency (due to the last dregs in the bag) but full-flavoured with the malted sugar aroma mixed with earthy funkiness reminiscent of a Yunnan black tea like Fengqing Dian Hong.
Flavors: Malt, Musty, Wet Earth
Preparation
Tried again this time at 186˚F for first infusion. 2nd infusion at 193˚F.
Tea is much more fragrant this time, a sort of mild sweet citrus aroma like kumquat. Unfortunately tea itself still tastes quite dull. Not one of my favourites from Teavivre. Will not be purchasing full size.
