Based on the lack of information I have about this pu’erh (I convinced the shopkeeper to try and get more information from the distributor), I really have very little idea where to begin. Gaiwan brewing, starting with a rinse and then 30 second steeps. The wet leaves are dark, with almost a reddish tinge to the leaves. They had the same earthy scent that reminded me of good pu’erh, but with a darkness to it, almost a mustiness.
The first cup looks a bit murky, which worries me, as good pu’erh is supposed to be bright. However, it does have a nice redness to the liquor, which is a good sign. The first sip and the second and the rest of the first cup all taste dry and sour. This is not a good sign for this tea.
I steep the tea again. The colour and aroma have not much changed. The flavour is better, not as sour, still a bit dry. But now it seems that I’m losing a lot of the good parts of the flavour.
I finish off the second steeping and decide I’m going to stop for now and try this tea again later. Maybe it would be better gong fu.
205 °F / 96 °C
0 min, 30 sec
