Jingmai Brick 2004

This large brick, made on a small family farm on Jingmai Mountain in 2004, is a traditional compressed form of pu-erh. Made with a slight shu processing—using a minimal amount of introduced moisture—the flavor offers an intriguing balance between lightly earthy and warming, and pleasantly fresh and tart. It's rounded from the first cup, with a sweet aroma of clay and rose that lasts through many infusions. Subtle notes of wood and orange peel linger, making this a balanced, easy-to-drink pu-erh.To brew, gently unwrap the covering and flake off a small portion of the brick; rinse tea leaves briefly in boiling water. Enjoy multiple cups from the same leaves, tracing the arc of flavor and fragrance through each. Country: ChinaRegion: Yunnan ProvinceTasting Notes: rose, wood, balancedYear of Production: 2004 1 kg -- 210º F 3-5 grams, 2-3 minute steep ⅓ full, 20-30 sec steep