Xiaguan Tuocha - Raw Pu Erh, '80s vintage

[Jedi]

It was quite serendipitous that I received a call today from Oldmanteapot about some Xiaguan Tuocha we'd seen and tasted at Mr Khor's a couple of months back. I'd confirmed that I would happily take up the remainder of the stock of early '90s tuocha, when shortly after speaking with Oldman, another call came through alerting me to a tea-art fair happening this weekend right here in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia!!

Off I went in the evening, with time most definitely not on my side, and lo behold, some cash vouchers courtesy of a very generous friend to spend as I wished at the fair.

We managed to taste some Hwang-yin (yellow mark) Menghai from the '70s, some Shui-Lam-Yin (water-coloured blue mark) 7542 from the '90s, and I spied some Xiaguan Tuocha laying about. A '70s vintage tuo was available and I jumped at it, along with an '80s vintage tuo, all the while silently thanking my absent friend.

Tonight, I flaked off about 6g's of the '80s tuo and filled my little 150ml scholar pot with some substantial degree of anticipation.

The aroma was fresh and lively.

The broth had a misty sheen, denoting oils.

The colour was a deep orange, almost red for the first 3 brews, before getting darker, always clear and bright.

In the mouth, it was wholesome, with the minutest degree of astringency that was not at all unpleasant, showing us where the tea had come from.

Notes of camphor and woodiness were present, and the huigan was at first subtle before adopting a lingering sweetness later on.

8 brews later, we're still singing, and having lost count, we're still having a conversation.

I can't wait to taste the '70s but might just wait until the time is right.

[Herb_Master]

Wow Sabah! I saw the results of your meeting with OMT in Penang and assumed you were either from Penang yourself or somewhere near like Kedah, Perak or Selangor.

It was quite a trip from Sabah for a tea party!

I believe the best way to see the dawn come up (anywhere)
or the best way to see Sabah

is to climb to the top of Mount Kinabalu over midnight and wait until dawn rises.

Which made me wonder - while waiting for dawn what better than a few nice teas - but how would the kettle boil at that altitude ?

Have you taken tea on Mount Kinabalu?

[oldmanteapot]

HerbM,

Jedi-San is a well travelled man!

When is your next trip to Penang?

Cheers!

[oldmanteapot]

Jedi-San,

Great review. You're making my itch to flake a few grams from my 70s Xiao Hwang. Hahahaha... Yeah, it's definitely an unforgetable tea.

I'm currently in a roll for Shu. Hehehe... Taking some 90s Jing Kua. Reviews coming soon. This should fit into Brandon's project of having aged tea that's under $100.

Cheers!

[Jedi]

Herb:

I live in KL, with occasional forays into North Borneo. Nice to have tea buddies from all over.


Oldman:

I dug into an old tuo from way back (nameless and faceless) for a quick comparison last night... which has made me think i should put the '80s Xiaguan away for a while. Might get stuck into the '70s one tonight.

The tea is for the drinking people!!

[Herb_Master]

HerbM,
When is your next trip to Penang?
Cheers!

Not likely to be in Penang until 2012 maybe 2011. My hostess is determined to see as much of Malaysia as possible with me in tow.
2010 is likely to be either or both of Negeri Sembilan. Malacca and Johor or the East Coast and Perhentian Islands.

She also wants to take me to Taman Negara, but I would need extra injections for that.

Her prize objective is mount Kinabalu in Sabah or some nature parks in Sarawak.

In 3 (yearly) visists I have seen much of Kedah, Perak and Selangor.
The islands of Tioman, Penang and Pangkor.
The cooler climes of Frazer's Hill, Genting and Cameron Highlands.
The fireflies of Kuala Selangor, mangrove swamps of Kuala Gula, the hot springs of perak, Sungai Sedim aerial walkway and many others.

I would love to return to Penang, and revisit the Cameron Highlands for more jungle trekking, but I fear my next 2 visits will be demand that I go elsewhere.

[Herb_Master]

Herb:
I live in KL, with occasional forays into North Borneo. Nice to have tea buddies from all over.

I shall be back in KL, all being well early next year, I will be making a Beeline for Wisdom Arts tea centre in Chinatown, I don't know if you are familiar. They specialize in PuErh but one of the regulars was telling me of Oolong (Wuyi and DanCong) specialists near Bukit Bintang that he recommends, I may hope to visit them next year.

[oldmanteapot]

Herb:
I live in KL, with occasional forays into North Borneo. Nice to have tea buddies from all over.

I shall be back in KL, all being well early next year, I will be making a Beeline for Wisdom Arts tea centre in Chinatown, I don't know if you are familiar. They specialize in PuErh but one of the regulars was telling me of Oolong (Wuyi and DanCong) specialists near Bukit Bintang that he recommends, I may hope to visit them next year.

Hey Herb!

No worries.... do send us your travel dates in advance... might even coincide one of my trips to KL with your trip to KL.

Cheers!