Description
Rare, high quality leaves and years of storage combine to create a tea of incredible value.
Tasting Notes
- sweet stream and forest aromas
- pleasant, mellow flavor
- notes of plum
- smooth, sweet finish
Rare Old-Growth Trees
- harvested from tea trees averaging 100-years-old, on the slopes of the famous, protected Jing Mai Mountains in Yunnan
- old-growth tea trees grow semi-wild, without the use of pesticides
Aged Over 10 Years
- the maocha (loose, unfinished tea) was harvested in 2011, and the cakes were pressed in 2014
- ready to be enjoyed, or stored for further aging in your collection
- additional storage for up to 5-10 years will result in a deeper color, smoother flavor, and increase the tea’s value
Please note: Cake weight may have slightly decreased, due to years of aging, with a few grams of moisture released.
Leonard Deddo (verified owner) –
2018- I am an avid tea lover however I am relatively new to Pu-erh teas. I have experimented with a few and at first found them to be “an acquired taste”. After learning how to brew them properly, I learned the many nuances to producing a great cup of Pu-erh. I wanted to try Pu-erh from Smacha tea as I trust them to provide high quality teas. This Pu-erh does not disappoint. When the tea arrived I quickly unwrapped it and took about 4 grams of tea from the cake. Gave the tea leaves a quick 3 second wash to awaken the tea. Then using 200 degree water steeped my first cup for 10 seconds. First impressions? This is the mellowest Pu-erh tea I have ever had. Subtle earthiness but not overpowering. Notes of raisins, and dates, with a forest character to it that reminds me of walking through a redwood forest after a spring rain. The smell and taste combine in a way to produce a very positive experience. The taste lingers long after you have finished drinking the tea. My first impression remains after I have steeped 3 cups of this Pu-erh: This is the mellowest Pu-erh I have ever had. I think it is remarkably good and I will be purchasing more if it.
I am curious to see just how many times I am able to re-steep this initial 4 grams of tea.
Smacha –
Hi Leonard, thank you for your appreciation of our tea and your wonderful comment! Your description is excellent, and it proves our hard work on our Pu-Erh source. This 2011 Jing Mai Ripe Pu-Erh is picked from 100-year-old tea tree, and processed in the traditional method. In addition, Jing Mai is a popular tea region for Pu-Erh tea lover. Your brewing method is making the tea perform even better; it should be able to steep 5-7 times! Thank you again for trust in our tea! We will keep on doing our best to provide real and delicious tea.
Leonard Deddo (verified owner) –
An Update to my review of 6/21/18:
As I indicated in my initial review of this 2011 Jing Mai Ripe Pu Erh;
This is one very mellow and flavorful tea. My first tasting of this tea used 4 grams of tea. Those 4 grams of tea were re-infused 12 times over a two day period. I am not talking about tiny little tea cups, but 12 oz. cups of tea. Steeping time was 10 seconds for the first 4 or 5 infusions, then 1 minute there after, proceeding to 2+ minutes for later steeps. The robustness and flavor started to lighten and fade at the 12th steeping.
I wanted to see just how long this would last.
Yea, consider me a fan of this tea.