Shu pu-erh "Tiger", Lincang, 357 g., 2022
Unlike Western tradition, in Chinese mythology the tiger occupies one of the central roles in the structure of the world. The tiger is the guardian of the home and its inhabitants, a symbol of life, passion, health, and prosperity. Knowing this, one can already roughly imagine what to expect from a tea with a tiger on the wrapper.
This shu pu-erh comes from Lincang, one of the most famous and popular pu-erh producing regions in China. Here they understand both the quality of raw material and processing technology, which transforms tea leaves into a product worthy of its bold name and striking design.
The uniform brown-black leaf is of medium grade, with splashes of dark orange buds. It breaks easily with a crisp snap even without a tea pick. The aroma of the dry leaf is fruity-dried, with mineral-salty and iodine-like notes, both invigorating and slightly bitter and strict.
It is best brewed gongfu style in a clay teapot, but it also opens up well when steeped in a thermos. It can also be boiled or simply brewed in a cup. Water should be just off boiling, 95–98°C. The leaves should be rinsed twice: the first rinse removes dust, the second further softens the compression and prepares the tea for brewing.
The amount of leaf depends strongly on personal preference and desired strength: 5–10 g per 100 ml for gongfu brewing or for a liter thermos. For boiling, use about one third to one quarter less. For a cup, 2–3 g per 250 ml is sufficient.
The liquor is a deep red-brown. The aroma carries forest and walnut notes, while the taste reveals unsweetened cocoa, nuts, Chinese dates, and rosehip, becoming brighter and slightly sour when steeped in a thermos. It easily turns thick and oily, but like most shu pu-erh, it does not last many infusions — at most 5–6. The aftertaste has a soft bitterness and a woody character.
The tea gives a strong uplifting effect, bringing cheerfulness, sociability, inspiration, and vibrant energy, without causing trembling or anxiety. An excellent, powerful shu pu-erh for starting the working day, especially during gloomy winter or autumn days.
