I am chasing a 2004 imitation recipe from CNNP with this one-year-older, authentic chunk of 7542 Menghai today. I’m finding a lot of value in comparison-sipping in my little 60ml gaiwans as I educate myself on sheng.
This is worlds more interesting than the imitation. Extremely clean storage with no funk; camphor-cooling, effervescence, smoke, pine, some smoothing fruit sweetness as steeps progress. Strangely refreshing. More attic than basement… that’s the first time I’ve used that phrase, but I quite like it as quick refence for aged-woody vs damp-stony.
It looks like there was still some bitterness hanging around in this little guy a few years ago, based on Steepster notes, but I am getting juuust enough to underpin and support the rest of the profile beautifully — seems like most of the bitter has transformed to start pumping terpenes out. I feel pretty lucky to have gotten to experience this icon at the 20-year mark.
I have a precious 3g left for future indulgence. My lips are tingling.
Thank you so very much, derk.
Flavors: Camphor, Clean, Effervescent, Fruity, Menthol, Pine, Smoke, Wood
I love my 60 mL gaiwan from YS for samples too! Glad you had such a wonderful tea – making me jealous :). Hard to find old 7542s it seems.