Tasting Notes: Reminiscent of a mild, yet humid autumn day, and a cranberry pucker
Farm Location: Lincang, Yunnan Province
"Ripe" pu'erh (or "Shou") undergoes an advanced form of post-fermention that is similar to composting in a humid and highly temperature-controlled factory for a month or more. This process speeds up the aging process through the development of microbes that age the tea leaves. The tea leaves then undergo a period of two or more years of natural aging. The combination of these two processes softens the sharper notes of the tea, which results in a more mellow-bodied tea that is much more complex and deeper in spirit. This tea reminds me of cool Autumn air with damp dying leaves, and a fresh damp earthy smell, produced after a rain. The sentiment I get from this tea is very warming and comforting, and in my opinion, it is best enjoyed with good company.