2018 “TEASIDE 0302” Ripe Pu-erh Tea Loose

Enjoying an afternoon tea session and sipdown of a sample of 2018 "0302" Ripe Pu'erh from tea_side that I received as a gift from a tea friend!! When the water hit the leaves the immediate aromas were that of fresh farmyard mud and cherry juices; it was so pleasant and intriguing!! Steeped this pu'erh is THICK. The muddy, earthy farm-type notes and bright acidity of the cherry still come through, but mixed with other notes like antique books, molasses, fig jam, and roasted burdock and chicory root. All that with an almost creaminess and starchy quality to the mouthfeel and anchoring undertones of freshly made oat milk. I don't always love that sour tip not acidity that comes from real chicory but, in this particular instance as a natural part of the tea's flavour, it's a welcome note alongside such heavy wet, dank earthiness. It even has a bit of a petrichor finish to go alongside the cool post-rain air that I can currently smell just outside my window.

Very tasty! The price to quality ratio is perfect. Describing the taste is very difficult, you have to try it. Definitely, it must try all lovers of shu and dark teas, in general.

I've had two batches of this tea (fermented in '17 & '18) and they were both great!
They are indeed "soft" like the description says, but don't let it fool you- the taste is delicious and lovely!
I've had this one ('18) recently, and was there were still slight fermentation notes because of how fresh it is,
but it didn't bother me at all, as the chocolate flavor dominates for all the countless steeps.

very comforting ripe!

7 g per 130 ml, Zi Ni teapot.
It smells with beetroot and wood in the warmed-up teapot, like some old Shu.
The taste is sweet-woody, light. The infusion is dark but transparent.
Collects your thoughts and concentrates, the mood is very pleasant. Sincere tea for the good company.
There is not enough "fat content", density. I think it will get it with years.
But in general, it turned out an interesting product, full and high-quality made, I believe. Some of this tea should be kept at home in order to diversify the typical palette of Yunnan Shu puers.

I got 15 grams of this shou pu-erh as a free sample with my last order. Pleasant enveloping taste with walnut-woody-bready tones and creamy aftertaste. Soft, easy-to-drink. After work in the evening went really well. :)