Aging YanCha

[beachape]

I remember reading that some yancha takes to aging. Does this just mean that I can leave them in the sealed bag and they'll be fine for several years, or does this require some sort of special conditions (like pu er)?

Reason I ask is that Ive got a bunch of 08 yancha that I won't finish anytime soon. If it gets better with age then I want to make sure I'm doing it right.

[wyardley]

There are a bunch of threads about this already.

Like everything, opinions vary, and it also depends how the tea was processed. Most people would say that generally speaking, you don't want the tea to be as open to the air as pu'er. I think a fairly well sealed ceramic or solid metal jar (or a sealed, but not vacuum packed bag) is probably the best way to go. Many people think it's a good idea to re-roast the tea periodically (every 2-6 years) to get any moisture out and to prevent the tea from getting too sour.

I'd recommend searching the archives; a few to get you started.
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6386
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=8713
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=6860 (second half)
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=7151

[beachape]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I always seem to miss the good ones when I search. Very helpful

[Maitre_Tea]

There are a bunch of threads about this already.

Like everything, opinions vary, and it also depends how the tea was processed. Most people would say that generally speaking, you don't want the tea to be as open to the air as pu'er. I think a fairly well sealed ceramic or solid metal jar (or a sealed, but not vacuum packed bag) is probably the best way to go. Many people think it's a good idea to re-roast the tea periodically (every 2-6 years) to get any moisture out and to prevent the tea from getting too sour.

I'd recommend searching the archives; a few to get you started.
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6386
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=8713
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=6860 (second half)
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=7151

It seems like you have a lot of good threads stockpiled, how do you keep them so categorized.

[wyardley]

It seems like you have a lot of good threads stockpiled, how do you keep them so categorized.

I just search on google.

[Maitre_Tea]

It seems like you have a lot of good threads stockpiled, how do you keep them so categorized.

I just search on google.

Figures, since you're always mentioning the search function a lot in your posts...maybe I should learn how to search better next time I have a question

[wyardley]

Figures, since you're always mentioning the search function a lot in your posts...maybe I should learn how to search better next time I have a question

The hard part is just knowing what to search for, and knowing that the information is there in the first place. Since I remember those threads, I can usually think of a way to search for them.

[Maitre_Tea]

Since I'm (hopefully) leaving with the Peace Corps sometime next year, I thought that my three years of service would be perfect for aging YanCha, especially since I'll get back in time to taste any differences, or to do a re-roast. I've perused the other threads on technique, but I was wondering what types of YanCha would be the best candidate for aging. I know that high-fired is a thumbs-up but what else should I look for?

It seems to me that Shui Xian and Tie Luo Han are very popular candidates for aging, judging from the aged versions of these teas showing up most frequently. Are there any YanCha out there that would be good candidates for the aging process? Any that probably wouldn't be so great aged? (I'm thinking "lighter" YanCha like Bai Ji Guan may fall into this category). If you can, please list specific products.

[Intuit]

Wills' post listing related TC threads, first one, half way down the first page:

"See also some vendors' opinions on how to age oolong properly / what type of oolongs age well."

Containers for aging oolongs:
http://teamasters.blogspot.com/2006/09/ ... olong.html
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=8713

Oolong candidates for aging (oily teas, coaxed with a bit of roasting)
http://houdeblog.com/?p=7
http://houdeblog.com/?p=8

See also BubbaTeas post on crockpot roasting to refresh oolongs:
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=10411

[TIM]

A Must See Wuyi tea 4 Parts doc.:

http://english.cctv.com/program/e_docum ... 1184.shtml

[Proinsias]

*bump*

A Must See Wuyi tea 4 Parts doc.:

http://english.cctv.com/program/e_docum ... 1184.shtml

Missed this the first time around and just found it whilst searching around here for something else.

Reckon it warrants a bump just incase anyone else missed it.

Thanks Tim

more here:

http://web.search.cctv.com/enprosearch. ... ewsenvideo

[JustinW]

Yes, I remember watching this. It's a great documentary. A very delayed "thank you T!"