Happy Holidays and my best wishes to all for the upcoming New Year 2021. I could not think of a better way to close out the year than with a tea session and on this fine occasion I am delving into the 1980s-1990s OLDIE Collection.
There is a special thrill in journeying into the unknown and picking up an old tea chunk from the assortment of teas that makeup the 1980s-1990s OLDIE Collection never cease to bring about a tingling sense of anticipation. The tea is well aged, representing a time period when China was economically closed off from most of the outside world. It was quieter times and the pace of life was much slower. The natural growth and production cycle of puerh tea was not stressed and put under pressure by the exponential demands of today’s market. Rinsing the old leaves with boiling water awakens age aromatics that reveal a wonderful richness with subtle layers of complexity. Given time and careful observation there is much to explore and uncover. I detect notes of incense, old cognac, marzipan, talcum powder, mature wood and hints of dried resin. The brew is soft and oily in the mouth. This is an old taste from old times when the puerh tea industry was more simple and unassuming. Puerh operations adhered to standards of practice that was firmly under the control of the Chinese Government. After drinking a few cups the warmth and soothing energy of the old tea brings a welcomed state of comfort and relaxation. My journey has been well rewarded on this fine occasion. Past production of Menghai Tea Factory formed an integral part of old stock CNNP and encountering such a fine piece is always a real pleasure.
A closeup look at old tea leaves
Wet tea leaves
Signature chopped tea leaves of big factory blends - Menghai Tea Factory
A rich brew, soft and oily