Thursday, February 17, 2022

2001 Millennial Old Tree Teacake (Jingmai)

 
SPECIAL RELEASE: Exploring the early beginnings of gushu production.

The appreciation for gushu is a recent one and yet within the span of 2 decades much has changed. As a studious tea drinker I am attracted to history and the early beginnings. The 2001 Millennial Old Tree Teacake (Jingmai) is a landmark production that satisfies both my tea drinking and historical exploration. The teacake was produced under the supervision of Mr He Shihua, Honorary Director, Tea Association of Yunnan Province. Shortly after its release the quality of the teacake would capture the admiration of many puerh enthusiasts and elevate a little known area “Jingmai” to a superstar status within the puerh world.
 
There is an understandable attraction towards 1st releases. The early production holds the distinction for creating success that often provides a reliable assurance for quality. The 2001 Millennial Old Tree Teacake (Jingmai) is one that I feel is worthy of the credit. The tea gradually blossoms during the tea session. I am impressed by both the excellent character of Jingmai old growth and more so for its age development as a semi-age puerh tea. The richness, strength and activeness within the tea remain well intact by contrast to many younger gushu productions that I have come across. The brew is elegant and captivating, the age nuances and complexities revolving around a dark green spectrum of flavors that is further enhanced by a sweet note of dark cane sugar. I feel transported to a remote forest, the air is sweetened by the dense foliage and wild herbs that grow freely and there is an underlying elemental energy pulsating from the land. The energy is warm, calm, and mildly stimulating all in one.
 
SPECIAL RELEASE (The offering is limited to 2 teacakes)
Available in 2 Sizes
STANDARD (40g) - US$160
LARGE (80g) - US$280

Payments by PAYPAL
Contact me at varatphong@yahoo.com

 
 Natural storage
 
Traditionally processed (heavily kneaded tea leaf)

Wet leaves (taken under sunlight)
 
Rich with subtle nuances