Sure everybody says they’ve got great tea, but how are they really? See what our customers think (completely unfiltered):
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Paul –
I agree with Paolo, thar this one still needs time to mellow out. It is already super delicious, with hefty smoky woody onset turning into deep sweetness quickly. Yet the astringency builds up, so it can get quite present – reminded of forest mushrooms aftertaste.
Compared to the Bamboo Tong version it appears to me, that the Bamboo Tong only uses the usual plantation, whereas the Paper Tong some sort of mature (not fresh tender tips) material, being a lot grosser in comparison. Reminded a lot of material used for Fuzhuans – big sticks, coarse leaves, and stuff. This would explains the hearty astringency.
Anyways, looking forward to transform this one, by means of humidity.
Louis (verified owner) –
Going into this experience, my expectations are perhaps unfairly high. Many years ago, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a couple of cakes of Chen Guang-he Tang’s 2005 Menghai Yieh Sheng, which was amazing. Given that this tea is also from Chen Guang-he Tang, I find it too difficult to resist thinking in a comparative framework. This was very good, but my expectations set the bar high.
Of all dimensions assessed, complexity stood out the most. I noticed many different notes whose composition changed and developed over the course of the session. Different notes showed up later in the session that weren’t apparent early on. These included leather, tobacco/raisin, forest floor, malt, and caramel. The aftertaste was strong and long lasting, deep in the throat. I was less impressed with the strength of kuwei, hui gan, and qi.
Louis (verified owner) –
The qi is even and comfortable but it is heavy, like I’m wrapped up in a lead blanket. This is the one area where this experience really shines.
Most other dimensions assessed are good, though not rockstar level. This includes thickness, strength of kuwei, flavor intensity, complexity, staying power/how many infusions, aftertaste, and aroma. No flaws. Hui gan is average and some mild astringency was noticed, though it is not lacking in any area.
Louis (verified owner) –
Thickness, balance, complexity, hui gan, qi, and aftertaste are all very good. I found myself wishing there were more flavor intensity, or perhaps a bit of a different profile. There are no discernible flaws. Its quality is exceptional. I just think some others might prefer it more than I do.
Guillaume C. (verified owner) –
I usually don’t fancy very much sheng/shu blends but this tea is extremely enjoyable (if you like old tea like I do) and easy to drink: great patience and depth. It’s a bargain. In this price range it’s simply impossible to regret it.