Shu pu-erh "Tiger", Lincang, 357 g., 2022
Unlike Western tradition, in Chinese mythology, the tiger occupies a central position in the world order. The tiger is the guardian of the home and its inhabitants, a symbol of life, passion, health, and prosperity. Knowing this, you already have a rough idea of what to expect from a tea with a tiger on the cover.
This shu pu-erh comes from Lincang County, one of the most famous and popular pu-erh producing areas in China. Here, they understand the raw materials and processing technology that transform the tea leaf into a product worthy of its catchy name and vibrant cover.
The brown-black, uniform leaf of medium caliber, with splashes of dark orange buds, snaps easily and crunchily in your hands, even without an awl. The leaf's aroma is dried fruity with mineral-salty and iodine notes, invigorating yet slightly bitter and austere.
Steeping in a clay teapot is preferred, but steeping in a thermos also reveals its richness. You can also boil the tea or simply pour water into a mug. The water should be almost boiling, at 95-98 degrees Celsius. Rinse the leaves twice: the first rinse removes dust, and the second rinse further softens the pressed material and prepares the tea for drinking. The amount of leaves used depends largely on the drinker's preference and the desired strength of the tea: 5-10 grams per 100 ml of teapot volume for steeping or for a liter thermos. For brewing, use a third to a quarter less. For a mug, use 2-3 grams per 250 ml.
The infusion is a rich reddish-brown in color, with a hazelnut and walnut aroma and a flavor of unsweetened cocoa, nuts, Chinese dates, and rose hips. These flavors intensify and develop a slightly tart note when steeped in a thermos. It dissolves easily in oil, but like most shu pu-erh, it doesn't hold up to steepings, 5-6 at most. The infusion has a soft bitterness and a woody aftertaste.
The tea is a vibrant invigorator, instilling a sense of cheerfulness, a thirst for communication, inspiration, and exuberant energy, but without causing jitters or anxiety. An excellent, powerful shu pu-erh to start the workday, especially on overly gloomy and gray winter or fall days.
