Tea and origin: Old arbor puerh from Menghai Tea Factory, China
Twitter: Tea Masters
Blog: Tea Masters
Link to 1999 ‘7542’ Qizi Bing
I’ve been saving this 7542 puerh for just the right moment, when I had a massive puerh craving. This weekend was just the time. 7542 puerh from the Menghai factory is precious and much sought-after, so I wanted to make sure the timing was right for tasting.
For more about this puerh, Tea Masters’ blog post is packed with excellent information.
Tasting notes
Dry leaf: Brown leaves with some golden tips. Woody aroma
Wet leaf: Woody, sweet
Liquor colour: Light brown initially, but slightly darkens with later infusions
Liquor aroma: Old, wet wood
Liquor flavour: Wet, old wood is dominate flavour, although there is a subtle sweetness in the finish. Later infusions have more bitterness. It has a thick mouthfeel. Clean, bitter finish
Infusion method: Gong fu style. Infusion time: 10 to 20 seconds 5 to 6 grams of tea 100C/212F water 200ml/7oz water 6 to 10 infusions
Comments/Conclusions
Compared to younger puerh, the flavours in this tea are more rounded, not as sharp or bitter, and they are more refined and mellow. It has a thicker mouthfeel and a cleaner aftertaste. I tried this puerh next to a 2013, and it was clearly evident to this puerh novice just how ageing refines the flavour and aroma of puerh, and why it deservedly costs more money. Whilst cost might not make this an everyday tea for the majority of us, it is tea that all puerh drinkers – from novice to connoisseur – should experience
Retail price: 25 grams for $27.00 / 357 grams for $320.00
