First I made Floating Tea Leaves,DU XUE SHAN SHOU PUER 2006.
I used 7 oz in a 100 ml gaiwan, at just off boiling. First a rinse then four infusions starting at a 5 second steep and then increasing the time by 5 seconds for the consecutive steeps. All tasted like mothballs that had been burnt over a charcoal fire. See photo for color changes; first brew(top) very dark, the others pretty much the same. Just unbearable. I don't get it. I want to get it, yet I don't. Very frustrating. Why I chose this Puerh to be the first one I bought at this beginning of my tea journey is anyone's guess. Perhaps it was not the right choice. In any case, a No-Go!
Next I went to my last packet of four from Crimson Lotus Teas '4 Part Puerh Education Tasting Set.' First three had been not good, hoped for a better experience with this last, and I assume highest grade of the four Puerhs. I think I need more guidance, I don't know what I am doing! I love that Crimson Lotus created this offering for newbies like me, I just can't seem to make it work yet.
I used less tea this time, thinking perhaps the 7 grams of the previous Shou Puerh had been the issue. This time I used 5 ounces, same temperature, and same four pours with five second intervals, starting at 5 seconds for the first. Not as horrible in my mouth as the Da Xue Shan Shou 2006, but certainly similar and not to my liking. Generally I can drink a tea even if I don't intend to repeat the experience, for I am open to the stories it might bring me, the flashes of imagery, fire-pits in the nighttime, scents of ashes in the air, whatever..... but I just couldn't do it.
I am beginning to think I might not be a Puerh drinker, which saddens me. I will try Puerh anytime I get the chance but I think I am not going to be purchasing it again unless I receive strong advice from the tea-gods amongst you.
