Old style heavy kneaded tea leaves and stone compression
The 1990s Private Production is a characterful tea that I have enjoyed observing and getting acquainted to over the years. The composition of wild leaf material adds a distinct charm and eccentricity to the tea session. At times I forget that this batch was conditioned with a light touch of traditional wet storage as it has become almost unnoticeable now. Using boiling water, a quick double rinse opens up the leaves for the first steep. Drinking the tea I am picking up an old wood quality that reminds me of antique teak furniture, further along the tea session the sweet fruity notes emerge. The brew is mildly sweet, possessing strength and good depth, and showing plenty of activity that is emphasized in the natural complexity and nuances. The tea is strong and I am reminded of a mental note that I made to myself many years earlier when it comes to leaf/water ratio that is still valid today - be conservative.
Additional Note: Early on I had assumed that the 1990s Private Production batch was comprised of a blend of big tree material and plantation but increasingly my acquaintance with the tea leads me to have a rethink - this is possibly wild tea through and through. From the time period it would have been highly probable as the price would not have been expensive compared to today.
Additional Note: Early on I had assumed that the 1990s Private Production batch was comprised of a blend of big tree material and plantation but increasingly my acquaintance with the tea leads me to have a rethink - this is possibly wild tea through and through. From the time period it would have been highly probable as the price would not have been expensive compared to today.
Wet Leaves (through the eyes the leaves are darker than appeared)
Active and finely nuance brew
