Tea: 2017 Natural Brick (原生砖) Style: Fuzhuan Producer: Xiashangzhou Factory (Xia Family) Region: Jiulongchi, Anhua, Hunan Season: Late Spring 2017 Notes: Pine Needle, Smoke, Sharp. Coming from the core, high elevation Jiulongchi production area, this is unique but perfectly representative Fuzhuan. The production area is known for its damper storage, rich smoky flavor, and historic pedigree. What makes this brick special is that the “golden flower” fungus necessary in Fuzhuan has been allowed to grow without ”inoculating” the bricks with any spores or cocktail of edible fuel. The modest amount of golden flowers on these bricks are instead the descendants of the fungus that has been growing in the Xia Family’s workshop for decades, making for a slightly less sweet, cleaner taste. This 2017 brick is still a little green, but just on the verge of reaching that optimal yellow-orange color most desired for Fuzhuan. The pick on this brick is ideal. You will find mostly whole greenish brown leaves, and few stems. This tea still has a nice mix of fresh sharpness and thicker smoky notes that would be perfect for Gongfu style brewing. If you want to buy a balanced but traditional Fuzhuan.
