looking for specific flavors in pu-erh

[artichoke]

Hello,

I'm pretty new to pu-erh but have fallen pretty much instantly in love I know from what I've read this week that the only kind I've tried is cooked (shu) pu-erh - and for the time being I'll probably stick with that kind, just to generally keep costs down.

Here's my question: I'm sure this isn't necessarily the highest grade, but I was able to buy some loose leaf pu-erh at a grocery store (Wegmans, a local chain) that I love. I'd really like to find some more with similar aromas/tastes. The smell is almost salty (probably somewhat also reminiscent of the 'fishy' quality I see discussed a lot - although in this example I really like it in this context), and there are sweet elements in the taste, as well as a creamy element to the flavor and texture.

I've ordered some other types and samples (including Adagio's Poe and Dante, Dante being the one I like better), and have found some other pu-erhs that I've liked quite a bit, but so far none quite like this one. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

[nickE]

The smell is almost salty (probably somewhat also reminiscent of the 'fishy' quality I see discussed a lot - although in this example I really like it in this context), and there are sweet elements in the taste, as well as a creamy element to the flavor and texture.

You are most likely describing a Shupu. While I'm not a big fan of the fishy flavors that come from Wodui, I love sweet & creamy.

I'll make a few recommendations with shipping cost in mind (stateside vendors). Basically, anything Dayi (Menghai) & Haiwan will be pretty good IMO.

Cheap and reliable.
2008 V93
2008 'Hong Yun'

More expensive but great.
2007 Golden Needle White Lotus

Menghai 7562 is also a solid recipe but Jas-etea is sold out. Here it is at Puerhshop.

As for Adagio's Shupu, I've never tried any.

Hope this helps and welcome to TC!

[artichoke]

Thank you very much - those recommendations are great!

[nickE]

Thank you very much - those recommendations are great!

You are welcome. Enjoy!

[shah82]

Don't forget cha-tous. I don't like them because they are too chemical for me, and I have to wash them into insensibility before drinking.

If you ever find '07 Dayi secret aroma, buy that. It's hard to find for a reason. Xizihao gongting loose puerh is quite elegant, should you not mind paying too much money. Also, don't neglect some of the older shu. There are plenty of 10yr shu that cost about $35/357gms that are quite decent, tho' a little washing might be needed. They're from smaller places, and since drinking shu is like eating chitterlings, there is an element of needed trust involved. Ten years oughta prove that no-one died from drinking that shu!