Simao

Though I have yet to review the more highbrow samples from my last (and first) YS order, this tea reaffirms that I might have a preference for the more mundane shengs, which is good news for my wallet.

There’s a well-balanced sheng bitter, some shou-like (fermented) flavour (but definitely dry storage) and strong tobacco notes. Like the 2006 Xiaguan Te Ji, instead of just petering out, it bends towards the sour and smokey. I wish I knew how to improve on that (other than by steeping fewer times). I also wonder whether this one, like the Te Ji, will quickly lose its green bitters over the next few months. I think both are more interesting with than without, so I don’t need it aged much longer than this as well.