SHENG PUER - 2019 Hou Dao

This Sheng Puer is named “Hou Dao”, reflecting its grounded, full-bodied, and substantial character, with a well-balanced flavour that reveals more of its quality the longer it is brewed. The tea is made from maocha—the term for sun-dried, loose raw Pu’er leaves before compression—sourced from three different locations in Lincang County. Each location is set in a wild forest environment, where the tea trees grow naturally without human management, allowing the tea to fully express the depth and complexity of its origin.

Dry Leaves' Aroma
Upon opening the wrapping, the leaves release a warm, caramel with hints of woody and dry earthy forest floor.  The cake is beautiful compressed with brownish-green and  glossy black mixed with gray and brown colour. 

First Infusion
The first brew is light and clear, with hints of forest green. Gentle vegetal notes are accompanied by a soft, fruity sweetness with a subtle smokiness.  Tea leaves from certain areas in Lincang inherently contain certain aroma compounds that act as precursors to smoky notes. These combine with the floral and fruity aroma molecules in the leaves and, after the processes of pan-firing and sun-drying, transform into a unique smoky fragrance. This is one of the regional characteristics of Lincang tea. 

Second Infusion
By the second infusion, more wildflower aromas emerge as the tea begins to open. Fruity notes become more pronounced, with a slight dry sensation in the mouth. After drinking, the empty cup releases an astonishing aroma that instantly evokes the feeling of a wild forest.

Third & Fourth Infusions
Floral aromas intensify, especially noticeable on the gaiwan lid. Sweetness increases, the earlier dryness disappears, and the liquor becomes smooth, round, and richly textured.

Fifth & Sixth Infusions
The sweetness softens while the flavor grows deeper and stronger, revealing woody and solid earthy notes. The aftertaste is long-lasting, lingering gently on the palate.

Seventh to Tenth Infusions
A rich sense of wilderness dominates. Woody tones, a full body, and a dense mouthfeel persist. The flavour remains well balanced, with a slight bitterness that adds depth and thickness to the tea liquor.

Overall Impression
Even at its relatively young age, this 2019 Sheng Puer reveals clear sings of maturity and depth, smooth complexity and rich texture. 

Origin: Lincang prefecture, Yunnan Province, China

Elevation: over 2,000 meters

Harvest and Process: the tea leaves were harvested in April 2019 from three different locations of Lincang prefecture.  

BREWING TIPS: 

Water & Preheat: Use 100°C water and preheat your teapot.

Rinse the Leaves: it is optional, but rinsing could help leave to open and release more balance flavour for the later brews. 

Water to leaves ratio: 5-7g/100m; 

Brewing Vessels: using porcelain Gaiwan for a better fragrance and Yixing clay teapot for a deeper flavour. 

Brewing time begin with 5 seconds for the first 5 brews, then increasing with each successive brew to your taste.