Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

[nada]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by nada » Feb 8th, '11, 06:35

Sampled #3 first.
Used 1/2 the sample in a 3oz gaiwan.
Boiling water for 1min...

I haven't tasted the teas yet, but a 1 min first steep for a dry stored brick from (I presume - the late) 90's will probably bring out some astringency and bitterness.

Since you've still got half the sample left, you could try beginning with flash infusions to make it more pleasant to drink.

I suspect this may be part of what Brandon was trying to show with the 2 teas that he submitted. People often clamour for dry storage but it isn't necessarily better - especially with this age of tea. A dry stored late 90's tea really needs another 10 years at least to round out the bitter flavours, but I suspect the wetter stored tea he submitted will be smooth and ready to drink (providing it hasn't been stored too much at the other extreme).

As with most things in life - It's a case of needing to get the balance right.

[brandon]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by brandon » Feb 8th, '11, 07:40

I suspect this may be part of what Brandon was trying to show with the 2 teas that he submitted. People often clamour for dry storage but it isn't necessarily better - especially with this age of tea. A dry stored late 90's tea really needs another 10 years at least to round out the bitter flavours, but I suspect the wetter stored tea he submitted will be smooth and ready to drink (providing it hasn't been stored too much at the other extreme).

As with most things in life - It's a case of needing to get the balance right.

Nada has it quite right.

I do not think the more humid storage is going to an extreme, but I will admit it is past some people's preference. For me, it is pretty much spot on. I think it will be hard to hide the fact that the 8582 is my favorite of the 3.

If you aren't quite sure how to brew #3, err on the side of fast. Pretty much the same as a young green puerh.

[mlafranc]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by mlafranc » Feb 8th, '11, 15:40

I started with #2. This is the first time I've ever brewed Pu-erh. I don't have specialized brewing vessels. But I preheated everything, boiled the water, and infused a small amount of leaf and water for 15 seconds. The first infusion is very woodsy and smooth. I really like the taste. The color is a nice dark amber, and the aroma is nicely earthy. I've only tasted Pu-erh once before, and I like this one much better. It's very mellow and relaxing.

[teaisme]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by teaisme » Feb 8th, '11, 16:15

Got the envelope last night.
Much thanks to brandon, nada, and chip. You guys are doing us a great service by providing an opportunity like this for beginners to puer.

Haven't tasted anything yet. Just smelled. 1 is pretty weak, 2 smells delicious, 3 also delicious with just a hint of smoke? Reminds me a little of a yunnan black I just tried recently. Going to let the anticipation build a little!

[rabbit]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by rabbit » Feb 8th, '11, 16:57

Yeehaw! The pu has landed! I'll try to review 'um soon.

[woozl]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by woozl » Feb 8th, '11, 18:41

Hermmm....
No id on packs.......I am truly blinded now.

I tried one last night, I will taste again before posting.
I understand Pu can be an acquired taste, perhaps it will grow on me.

[Drax]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by Drax » Feb 8th, '11, 18:46

Hermmm....
No id on packs.......I am truly blinded now.

I tried one last night, I will taste again before posting.
I understand Pu can be an acquired taste, perhaps it will grow on me.

Ruh roh! Take pictures of the before... you can probably ID the tea from comparison...

The pu arrived today! I'm surprised it didn't come yesterday given how close I live to Chip, but... here we go!

[woozl]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by woozl » Feb 8th, '11, 19:11

Will take snaps.
My first thought was "wet",
yet after reading descriptions, it may be the brick.
I did 4g/ 100ml. flashed with boiling, then off boil 10,5,20,30,30 ...

[Chip]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by Chip » Feb 8th, '11, 19:14

Each pouch has a number on it, 1, 2, or 3. You then need to check the number with the KEY located at the very very beginning of my OP for this topic.

OH, maybe Woozl's washed off from the spilled vino??? Should still be an imprint from the pen, it is located at the bottom center of one side.

Glad to see packages arriving quickly. Hopefully everyone will receive theirs very soon!

[woozl]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by woozl » Feb 8th, '11, 19:36

Ahh, grasshopper use invisible ink.
I can trace the imprint!
Laissez les bons temps rouler

[JRS22]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by JRS22 » Feb 8th, '11, 20:39

We chose a packet at random and ended up with Nada's Bulang. I started with 180 degree water to minimize bitterness, and there was absolutely none. The flavor reminded us of the forest floor, with a chaser of sweetness and something I can't name (a touch of metallic?). After 6 steeps the tea was going strong, but we were wired. I put the tea in a small jar in the fridge for safekeeping until tomorrow. We enjoyed every steep, but we've got enough left to experiment with hotter water.

Thanks Nada, Brandon and Chip for this OTTI. It is illuminating and fun.

[rdwrer]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by rdwrer » Feb 8th, '11, 21:38

Teas have arrived despite the overnight blizzard! A huge thank you to Chip, Nada, and Brandon for making these available and affordable!
So glad I have the day off tomorrow. A whole day of pu-erh. I'll O.Qi. for sure.

[Drax]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by Drax » Feb 8th, '11, 21:44

I got to dig into #1 this evening.

Me so happy, me want to cry.

Thanks to Brandon and Nada for supplying the tea, and thanks to Chip for organizing everything! I can't wait to try the other two...!

[Chip]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by Chip » Feb 8th, '11, 23:12

Also thanks to Mrs. Chip for her assistance with all the packaging, etc.

Looking forward to tasting at least one sample tomorrow!

[TwoPynts]

Re: Pu-OTTI 9, 90's Sheng Pu-erh

by TwoPynts » Feb 9th, '11, 10:26

I just want to clarify, #1 is the Menghai 1997 8582 "Wet Stored"?

Can you post the corresponding numbers to the proper tea Chip? Thanks.