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

[tortoise]

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

by tortoise » Feb 13th, '11, 21:51

I've had 2 and 3 now, and much prefer 3. I can tell that there is a lot more going on in 2, but to me, 3 is smoother and easier on the palate. I'm not going in to details on flavor notes because a lot has been provided already and I agree with what I can recognize, but frankly, there is a lot I don't pick up in the tea and I'm willing to admit that. I'm finding that I like to brew it between 180 & 190f and for 20-30 seconds. The shorter steep times are a bit week, and over 30 seconds tends to bite too much.

Looking forward to the first sample tomorrow...

[argus]

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

by argus » Feb 14th, '11, 06:35

The sheng is finally here in Croatia. Too bad I have a cold and wouldn't dare to taste these samples without the ability to properly taste

More waiting....

[kaminix]

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

by kaminix » Feb 14th, '11, 08:53

Hrm, interesting. We must have completely different experiences in barn stalls, because to me, barn stalls smell like shit. Pu'erh does not smell like shit to me.

To me, pu'erh (at least shu) usually smells like compost, which is a completely different aroma. But I find that description more "accurate." At worst the flavors can ride closer to sweaty gym socks.

Of course, this discussion is further interesting to me, given that none of these samples are shu, and I am getting neither shit nor compost aromas and flavors out of samples #1 and #2. I am getting mostly a sandalwood quality, or general woodiness. Perhaps I have that to look forward to in sample #3?

This description may be even more accurate, though not being very familiar with the smell of sandalwood it's not a wording that comes natural to me. I do know the smell though and now that you mention it it might be a very fitting description.

I feel some people are scared to use such comparisons because who would admit to enjoying a musty old log or sun scorched soil?

I would! The descriptions come as very visual to me, I like it. ^^

[David R.]

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

by David R. » Feb 14th, '11, 10:38

Ok, I've tried the 3 samples and read the key. I finished sample #2 while beginning #3 in another gaiwan.

It is really difficult to tell which one I preferred. #2 is very mellow with a long aftertaste, much like I imagined a old sheng puerh would be. While #3 is more on the fruit side with spice. It found a kind of "acidity" which reminded me of the "barrel taste" of a farmer cider, something I like very much.

I have yet to taste #1 and #2 using a teapot.

Anyway, this was really an eye-opening experience. Thanks once again to all the people involved.

[OhJungMin]

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

by OhJungMin » Feb 14th, '11, 13:22

Here are some pics from my last Pu tasting. That was #1.

Setup:



Smelling and drinking cups. The tea is in the drinking cup already:



Leaves after 5 infusions:

[TIM]

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

by TIM » Feb 14th, '11, 13:54

Here are some pics from my last Pu tasting. That was #1.

Setup:



Smelling and drinking cups. The tea is in the drinking cup already:



Leaves after 5 infusions:

Are you dumping the leaves after 5 infusions? Just curious...

[OhJungMin]

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

by OhJungMin » Feb 14th, '11, 14:03

Are you dumping the leaves after 5 infusions? Just curious...

No, I had to go after that so I took the leaves out to photograph them and then hid them in the fridge. I continued later that day

I usually squeeze about 10 infusions from a good Puerh...

[Marco]

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

by Marco » Feb 14th, '11, 14:42

And finaly I had #1 yesterday evening.

The dry leaves had a little damp smell - and the wet ones too - but fortunately it disapeared after the 3rd infusion.
Took about 4g in my 60ml Gaiwan. Again all the tiny bits of the sample went in this session.
Flash rinse and kept water near boiling throughout the session.
Brewed for 5", 10", 10", 20", 20", 30", 40", 1', 1' and three more longer infusions.

It started mild and well balanced. Got some astringency in the 2nd to 4th infusion. Had some pleasant heaviness and has been warming from the inside. The empty cup smelled nice.

I wondered why some people brew with only 180°F.
I think I learnd here "brew Pu Erh always with boiling water".
Am I wrong?

Attachments

First 6 infusions from top left clockwise

#1.jpg (149.85 KiB) Viewed 631 times

after brewing 1,2,3 from top clockwise

used leaves.jpg (155.16 KiB) Viewed 631 times

[TIM]

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

by TIM » Feb 14th, '11, 15:28

Are you dumping the leaves after 5 infusions? Just curious...

No, I had to go after that so I took the leaves out to photograph them and then hid them in the fridge. I continued later that day

I usually squeeze about 10 infusions from a good Puerh...

Good Lord.... Thank You for saving the leaves

[TIM]

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

by TIM » Feb 14th, '11, 15:30

I wondered why some people brew with only 180°F.
I think I learnd here "brew Pu Erh always with boiling water".
Am I wrong?

You are 100% correct, Tea Brother! Boiling water for Puerh is essential.

[Seeker]

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

by Seeker » Feb 14th, '11, 15:48

Why is boiling water essential?

[brandon]

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

by brandon » Feb 14th, '11, 17:13

Why is boiling water essential?

Because the leaves are old and tired and need a hot steam bath to wake them up..

[OhJungMin]

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

by OhJungMin » Feb 14th, '11, 18:06

Why is boiling water essential?

Because the leaves are old and tired and need a hot steam bath to wake them up..

Very nice answer, Brandon!

[MarshalN]

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

by MarshalN » Feb 14th, '11, 18:46

Why is boiling water essential?

Because the leaves are old and tired and need a hot steam bath to wake them up..

Personally I prefer a shower

[TIM]

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

by TIM » Feb 14th, '11, 18:48

Why is boiling water essential?

Because the leaves are old and tired and need a hot steam bath to wake them up..

Personally I prefer a shower

hahaha.... I can do both