2001 Millennial Old Tree Teacake (Jingmai)

 

SPECIAL RELEASE: Exploring the early beginnings of gushu production.

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)

 

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

Through the Lens - Photo Collection 1

Appreciating the visual beauty of the tea leaf. A close up look at the beauty and transformation of various type/category of tea from different regions, at varying maturity of age, induced fermentation under the process of production and subsequent storage.

A Comparative Pictorial of Age - Huang Pian

 

 L: 2001 Centuries Old Teacake from Longyuan Factory, R: 2013 Chawangpu Jingmai Gu Shu Huang Pian (200g)

Huang pian are tea leaves that are picked out during the processing of puerh tea. These consist of broken leaves, yellow leaves, leaves that are too big or were not processed properly. Huang pian are generally judged to be inferior leaves as they tend to be considerably less potent and complex when compared to the tender leaves that make up premium maocha. That said, huang pian can still offer a fine cup of tea and at an affordable price.

2001 Simplified Character Cloud (Menghai Tea Factory)

The 2001 Simplified Character Cloud is a special production from the Menghai Tea Factory. It is a tea that appeals to both collectors and investors due to its quality and popularity (from being referenced in tea publications and discussed in tea forums). Personally I find the quality of the tea to be good and superior to Menghai’s regular productions. That said it is not a tea to be enjoyed now as its maturity is likely to be decades away.