Shu Pu Erh Hong Long, Menghai, AA, 200g., 2022

A young Shu Pu Erh from Menghai with a distinct energizing effect—a rich, full-bodied tea perfect for everyday drinking.

The raw material, harvested from old-growth trees, is pressed into a fairly dense 200-gram cake. The dry leaves offer a subtle, sweet aroma with faint, earthy, hay-like notes.

When brewed, the tea produces a deep, rich burgundy-colored liquor with a smooth, creamy texture. The aroma is clean and reminiscent of dried fruits, featuring hints of cherry, dark chocolate, and nuts. On the palate, it is smooth and mellow, with notes of prune, chocolate, and nuts, complemented by an earthy sweetness, a pleasant berry-like acidity, and a gentle tannic quality. The aftertaste is substantial and lingering, characterized by woody, cherry, and chocolate undertones.

This tea is excellent for warming the body, providing a boost of energy, and offering a revitalizing effect. It will appeal both to those who prefer a milder Shu Pu Erh and to those who enjoy rich, thick, "oil-like" infusions.

How to brew

Brewing in a gaiwan or clay teapot

• Water: 90-95°C
  
• Amount of tea: 7-10 g per 120-150 ml
  

Place the tea in a well-warmed gaiwan or teapot and let it warm up for 10 seconds.

First infusion: 10 seconds

Subsequent infusions: gradually increase the steeping time by 10+ seconds

Steeping in a thermos

• Water: 85-90°C
  
• Amount of tea: 5 g per 400-500 ml of water
  

Use slightly less than you'd like to avoid over-steeping the tea, especially if you plan to keep it in the thermos for several hours.

Brewing over a stove

• Amount of tea: 10-15 g per 800-1000 ml of water
  

Bring the water to a near boil and turn off the heat. Let it steep for a while to obtain a soft, pleasant infusion.