Tea Session - 1980s 1990s OLDIE Collection

 

 

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. 

Special Offer for the Holidays - Puerh Sale

 

1980-1990s OLDIE Collection

The OLDIE Collection is my quest to make old puerh tea more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

Photo Set - 2001 Simplified Character Cloud (Menghai Tea Factory)

 

The 2001 Simplified Character Cloud represents one of the last great productions under Menghai Tea Factory from the old era. This special batch is well known amongst experience drinkers and much sought after by puerh enthusiasts who value the proven lineage of older Menghai productions. The traditional style of processing does not try to beautify the characteristics of tea in the way of the modern production and this can be clearly seen in the retention of the raw and elemental nature. The 2001 Simplified Cloud was not made for easy access. It is a hardy tea with strength and an uncompromising ruggedness that lends itself favorably towards long term ageing. At this stage the tea presents a rich malty profile accented by musky and savory notes. It is a boldly engaging experience that exhibits a dark elemental appeal.

 

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2001 Simplified Character Cloud (Menghai Tea Factory)

 

Tea Beyond the Border – Yiwu Impression

 

Early 2000s age teacake

I take great pleasure in exploring Yiwu tea. Despite the diversity I can always be assured of an intrinsic softness in character that I find to be very comforting. The ease to which the brew flows down my throat is a pleasure I greatly enjoy in Yiwu tea. Considering its origins this humble teacake left me with a good impression. Sipping from my cup I took in the clean flavors, pleasant sweetness, smooth texture and darkening age characteristics. The brown tones were layered with sweet tropical nuances, wild plums, a touch of leather and light earthy minerals. I look upon this tea as an interesting and likeable aged Yiwu. My heart grows fonder for discovering that whilst famous Yiwu productions command high prices it is wonderful to know that some of the Yiwu charms can also be passed down to these more humble productions.

TOP TIPS: Starting a Puerh Tea Collection

 
A collection of old teas

A Comparative Pictorial of Xia Guan Toucha (2000, 2005) - Part 2

L: 2000 Xia Guan Toucha, R: 2005 Xia Guan Toucha

Over the past few decades the puerh tea industry has sky rocketed in growth. Much of that recent growth has been fueled by the new controversial trend surrounding “modern style puerh tea” alongside the popularity for “dry/natural storage”. Both have added excitement and a new layer of intrigue to the world of puerh tea. In this regard the comparative tasting of the traditional and modern style of puerh tea under natural storage becomes all the more compelling. This is especially so with the selection of these semi-age teas and the insight that can be gained from assessing the age development from both styles of puerh tea.

A Comparative Pictorial of Xia Guan Toucha (2000, 2005) - Part 1

Pack of 5 x 100g, L: 2000 XG Pack R: 2005 XG Pack

The Xia Guan Tea Factory is the second most famous puerh tea producer in China. Founded in 1941, Xia Guan (XG) is most renowned for its bowl shaped “toucha”. The traditional XG toucha has a long history and a proven track record for ageing exceptionally well under long term storage. Different vintages that stretch back multiple decades have become highly sought after collectables that have greatly escalated in value. However with the passage of time change is inevitable and the new trend for young drinkable puerh tea means that the modern style* of XG toucha was born.

Braving Uncertain Times

Tea Enthusiast + Social Distancing 
= Lots of Tea Drinking

TOP TIPS: Comparative Tea Tasting

Comparative tea tasting is an excellent practice for learning about tea. It can greatly enhance your perception and appreciation of tea.

Educational Series – A 70 Year Journey of Huang Pian

The Educational Series is a genuine opportunity I am offering to my readers to learn about the different aspects of age tea. You have read the descriptions. Now you can share in the experience!

Huang Pian (aka The Humble Leaf) belongs to a modest category of puerh tea. Comprised of older and less aesthetically pleasing tea leaves, the tea offers a pleasantly simple and mild brew. Huang pian makes for an affordable daily drinker and throughout history the consumption of the humble leaf has quenched the thirst of multitudes of tea drinkers. For those who enjoy drinking puerh tea, this sample set offers an opportunity to experience huang pian like never before. The 3 tea samples take you on an amazing journey that spans 70 years. Experience Huang Pian as a 1) YOUNG puerh tea, gain 2) SEMI-AGE nuances after 20 years of natural ageing and then finally reaching its 3) MATURITY after over half a century of ageing. Each stage provides a uniquely different experience and yet despite the gap and changes that have come with time the thread that connects them all is undeniable. Let us celebrate the simple beauty of the humble leaf - Huang Pian

The Beauty of Hong Kong Traditional (Wet) Storage

VIDEO: Capturing the splendor of age puerh tea nurtured under HK traditional (wet) storage

Hong Kong traditional (wet) storage is an often misunderstood category of tea. A lot can go wrong during the process and different batches vary greatly in quality. Finding traditional stored puerh tea done well offers a beautiful soft and mellow brew that is rich and deep in taste whilst retaining a level of complexity. The 1990s Menghai Orange Label (HK Private Commission) ranks amongst the best traditionally stored puerh tea that I have had the pleasure to drink. Placed under wet storage conditions for several years, the development of the teacake was not rushed ensuring that an even transformation occurred throughout the teacake. Awakening the leaves with boiling hot water releases fragrant aromas of talcum powder, age florals and wood accompanied by a heavier concentration of dark and age expression. The brew is rich and opulent, offering a thick mouthfeel with a pleasant sweetness and layers of age nuances. As the tea opens up, dark TCM emerges, dates, red wood, resins, vanillin, minerals within an array of dark organic herbs and root. The tea is warm and comforting, and as I focus on the full cup in front of me I am very content.

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1990s Menghai Orange Label (HK Private Commission)
see SPECIALS for availability