I received this sample in a set, and this is the second pu-erh I am reviewing from the collection. Like the first one, this one was also excellent. I thought it carried the best characteristics of a young sheng pu-erh with magnificent delicate aromas that came from the lid of the teapot but was also present in the cup as I was sipping it. But it also aged well, got very mellow, easy to drink although the soup was thick, it had a fruity sweetness which almost had a citrus sourness. All these came together in a balanced and unique manner.
This tea has a 4-digit label which is 7111. These are codes used by main pu-erh producing factories in Yunnan, and previously I reviewed one from Menghai (Dayi 7542). The first two numbers signify the year this tea blend was first made. In the case of this tea, it was 1971. It is one of the older ones I have come across.
The third number stands for the size of the raw tea leaves, and it starts at 0 and goes to 9. Usually, the smaller the number, the more (relatively) buds and tender leaves it contains. So, with this tea, we get to number 1, and it is excellent news suggesting that this cake is made out of good quality leaves. Maybe this explains the unique scent.
The last number tells us about the factory where the tea was processed. Number 1 represents the Kunming tea factory, it is a famous pu-erh maker in China.
Although I am not pro-tea blend, I can see that this pu-erh was blended so that its characteristics are enhanced. I like the end result after 13 years. I am seriously thinking about investing in this tea. Will I?
Update: We decided to stock this tea, and you can purchase it here.
Tea profile:
Type: Pu-erh (Dark)
Origin: Yunnan, China
Harvest time: 2007
Leaf colour: Tones of dark green and brown
Liquor colour: Golden amber
Tea aroma: Earthy and aromatic floral
Tea taste: Fruity sweetness with a pleasant citrus kick
Steeping/brewing: Place 6 g of this tea in a porcelain gaiwan and add about 100 ml water at around 100°C. Rinse after 5 sec. Steep for 10 seconds for the second time and increase the consecutive steeping time by 10 seconds. You can steep this tea multiple times.