A Comparative Pictorial of Menghai Tea Factory (2003, 2011) – Part 2

 L: 2003 Purple Dayi Menghai Tea Factory R: 2011 Menghai Tea Factory 7542

A Comparative Pictorial of Menghai Tea Factory (2003, 2011) – Part 1

 L: 2003 Purple Dayi Menghai Tea Factory R: 2011 Menghai Tea Factory 7542

 

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.

A Comparative Pictorial of Multi-Year EOT Bulang (2009-2012) - Part 2/2

Measuring out 2g of tea in preparation for a comparative tasting. From left to right EOT Bulangs 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The teas are arranged from the youngest to the oldest so that the tastings can best capture the journey of age.

A Comparative Pictorial of Multi-Year EOT Bulang (2009-2012) - Part 1/2

The range of EOT Bulangs from 2009 to 2012. From left to right is a progression of the oldest to the youngest teacake.

Taking the opportunity to reconnect with a few Essence of Tea (EOT) teacakes in my collection, the popular range of EOT Bulang from 2009 to 2012 needs little introduction for the seasoned tea drinker. The annual pressing of EOT Bulang is perhaps the most discussed and reviewed tea on the Internet to come out from this premium vendor. A lot have been written about the EOT Bulang from multi years and for those looking to dig deeper I will leave you in the good hands of Google.

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.

A Comparative Pictorial of Age - 2004 Premium White Puerh Tea

This picture of the 2004 Premium White Puerh Tea was taken in 2007.

In the past few weeks I have been revisiting this interesting genre of white puerh tea. Having not brewed white puerh tea for some time it took me a few sessions to recalibrate the ideal temperature and brewing time to optimize the preparation of the brew to my satisfaction. I use boiling hot water that is left to cool for a few minutes together with a yixing teapot. 8g to approx 100ml with 1 rinse my brewing time varies from 20 to 40 seconds for initial steeps. Adjustments to higher temperatures and longer steeping times come after the initial 4 to 5 steeps.

A Comparative Pictorial of 3 Liu An Teas (from 1950s, 1970s, 2005)

An observation of the shape of the Liu An baskets (left 1950s Sun Yishun, middle 1970s Sun Yishun, right 2005 Liu An).