additional notes: Trying this one again after the six samples! Just from the dry leaf fragrance and steeped leaf fragrance, I remember why I love this one. Even with five grams (rather than the usual 10grams that I would use in the past), this is simply the richer, superior shou, with the flavors that I prefer over all the other Fengqing samples. Four extremely strong steeps. Just perfect flavor. Ah, how I will miss it!
So after trying all six shou samples, I think they were all great, all somehow unique, though none of them quite lived up to my very favorite: Teavivre’s Fengqing Golden Buds 2013. I think if I’m looking for that lovely bread quality, the best option is the Fengqing Ripened Anniversary Pu-erh Cake Tea 2014. But that is also the most pricey. I did love that a Menghai was in the mix of six, as it reminded me the flavor qualities that Menghai usually has, and reminded me why I like Fengqing even more. I do wish I was able to buy a cake of my favorite back in the day, but I’m also grateful to Teavivre for having so many options. Maybe it’s all about the “GOLDEN BUDS”, as none of the new offerings are described as “golden buds”. Final ratings, all very close!
Fengqing Ripened Anniversary Pu-erh Cake Tea 2014 – 90
Fengqing Man Ting Fang Ripened Pu-erh Cake Tea 2017 – 87
Fengqing Ripened Pu-erh Cake Tea 2015 – 85
Fengqing Ripened Tribute Pu-erh Cake Tea 2017- 86
Fengqing Ripened Pu-erh Cake Tea 2018- 84
Yun He Jia Mu Ripened Pu-erh Cake Tea 2010 – 83 (the Menghai)
Steep #1 // half sample (5grams) for medium sized mug // 20 minutes after boiling // 7 second rinse // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // 11 minutes after boiling // 3 min
Steep #3 // just boiled // 3 min
Steep #4 // just boiled // 10 min
So if anyone has any of this cake they wouldn’t mind rehomeing (even if it’s samples and not actually a cake), please let me know!