Early in the morning one arises to this sample. Mountain water is drawn. The kettle filled. When it rumbles just right water is thrown on the table coating everything with a membrane of boiling water. The steaming effect created, the rising heat from the ceramic table, signals that it's time for tea.
The pack is opened by eager fingers and an even more elated nose dives into the opened foil. One huffs tea like the downtrodden down the block huff gas. Very sweet, light, maybe a touch flowery. The scent leaves the eyes curious as to what it looks like.
The leaves are very loose and wiry with many hairy white leaves in the mix with the brown. Beautiful. One reverently lays them in yixing and a hot rise christens them, releasing their fresh youthful energy.
The clear, crisp light yellow liquor that results from these tippy early spring leaves is worthy of praise in and of itself. So one lavishes it upon this tea.
More hot water puts them at ease. Light, sweet, fresh, flowery, ... the taste of this tea is true to the scent of the dry leaves. There is also a sneaky undertone of tobacco. The tea imparts a sticky sensation on the lips and front and sides of the tongue. The affect of the qi is noticeable within seconds of consumption. Nice, warming as if in the bright light of the sun this cloudy morning.
Multiple infusions commence, the creamy, candy-like sweetness is upfront and immediately apparent as it moves all the way to ones breath before slowing fading. Saliva pools in the middle of the tongue, a refuge from the tingling lips, tip and sides of the tongue. A slight soft bitterness fills in the end.
The chaqi radiates forth as the session creeps on. This teas energy is empowering and feels as though it shines through the pores of ones skin.
This tea doesn't evolve much in the mouth, nor does it seem to have enormous depth to its flavour- a testament to its spring-tippy constitution. It's flavour remains consistent over many infusions with a meandering tobacco and flowery tones coming out more as tea cools slightly.
In the end, things become chalky and cloudy
mimicking the afternoon sky outside.
Cloud or no cloud,
it is truly sunny inside.
Peace
Note: Please follow this link to the tea tasting discussion on the Half-Dipper.
2 comments:
This Pu-erh spiritually bursts forth as the daystar in the heart of the drinker with all the virtues of the shining from within. Perhaps therefore it could even be called "righteous." --Teaternity
Jason,
Don't think righeous is the right word to describe it but definitely powerful. One could see how the energy of this tea could easily knock someone on their ass.
Peace
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