Da Lao Cha Tou "AA" (Big Old Tea Heads), Menghai, 2014

Small, brown-reddish-black lumps of pu-erh tea are moderately dense. When warmed by breathing, a bright, haystack aroma complements the woodiness and cocoa beans behind it. Add boiling water and you'll get a cognac-colored infusion. The rough taste offers the sweetness of cocoa, prunes, geranium, and a touch of nutmeg. A pronounced acidity of black rowan, mint, and bergamot. A subtle bitterness of rotted leaves, fruit wood, and barrel. It holds up well, but will perform better in a brew. The tone is moderate and smooth, without overdoing it, yet with a positive effect. An everyday shu without any frills.