2021 "Dark Depths" Shou / Ripe Puerh Tea

"And when you steep long enough into the abyss the abyss steeps into you!" Fire up your kettles and get ready for the black. Back to the abyss we stare; once more descending to that deep darkness. The original depths call out to you and you will answer. Descend friend and drink from the deep! The gorgeous artwork is by PNW artist Carl Faulkner ( https://www.instagram.com/visualtaffy/ ) . The original Dark Depths was an instant hit, then we lost most of it in a sad incident with a USPS facility in New Jersey. This is Dark Depths 2: The Re-Darkening. It wasn't possible to recreate the original blend perfectly but we worked diligently this year to make something we were proud of. This is a thick and meaty shou. There are dark chocolate notes with a slight coffee-like bitterness. Dark and inky black like a raven's wing in a moonless night. The ones that offer no reflection and seem to pull in all available light. This tea is a monster. It is hiding in the deep waiting to be called forth. It rises in your cup and provides steep after steep of thick, dark, motor oily goodness. It is rich and thick and luscious and sweet and creamy. It's herbal and earthy and as deep as the Marianas. Brewing Instructions Use 5-10 grams of leaves and brew with 75-150ml ( 2.5-5oz ) of water at or near boiling. Rinse once for a few seconds. Start with quick steeps under 10s. With each re-steep adjust the steep time to your taste.