2016 “Gipsy Crow” Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake

Pretty bold semi-aged character, woody, a bit nutty, a bit tobacco, prunes. Gives a slight cooling sensation to the mouth.

Sipping down a neglected tea sample that I got from theweekendsessions a few summers back w/ the first volume of “The Last Man” – one of the last major Brian K. Vaughan comic series I’ve not dug into yet!! This Thailand origin sheng is really interesting – from the first rinse the leaves have such a fragrant and sweet peach aroma with undertones of herbaceous smoke. Early steeps mirror this, with mediun bodied syrupy overripe peach notes and slight smoky undertones coming through before sliding into a more medicinal herb forward cup profile with those stonefruit notes stepping to the back of the sip! The aftertaste is hard to nail down – maybe slightly bitter peach skins with rosemary butter!? Definitely some elements I like a lot, but a few that are resonating less strongly – mostly the finish. I am glad I tried it, though!!

I tried it for the first time a year ago, looked for a long time after where to buy it, and found it only here. The aroma is pleasant, unobtrusive, tastes without bitterness, rich, but most importantly - the effect of vivacity, charge and "eye-opening". I recommend drinking it in the morning or before work, it fills with energy, gives inspiration and clarity. A tea that expands the mind.

A light and fruity sheng with a sweet after-taste.
No bitterness and astringency detected, but keeps me alert.
Flavour weakens quickly after a few brews.
Wet leaves smell of stone fruits.

compared to it's peers I feel this puer falls short.
it is still clearly high quality Thai material,
but the taste isn't as integrated as the rest.
This is my personal taste though, and others seem to like it, so still worth a try