2008 CNNP RED LABEL GONG TING Ripe Puerh - 2 oz
This semi-aged Gong Ting or Palace Grade cake from China Tea, one of the OG's of the ripe puerh world, is outstanding! The dry leaf aroma of nuts and leather gives way to a distinct mung bean aroma on the rinse. First steep - wow! - complexity right out of the gate - a whole mouthful of flavors: fruit-wood and ginseng sweetness dives into wine-y, cacao and rice paper notes. The second steeping gives up a silky creamy soup with wood, cacao, Chinese date and almond notes that continue in variation into further pours. I have rarely experienced a hui gan in a ripe puerh but this one has that returning minty freshness in the throat after swallowing - love it! So rich and sweet with that comforting taste and relaxing tea energy ripe puerh enthusiasts long for.