Hidden Peak Teahouse, in Northern California has made their samples so affordable I was able to order pretty much everything they had on their website! Today I tried Mang Fei Shan Shou 2003. It was a full ten grams for $4.50 and I used exactly half in my 140ml Yixing Xisha Puerh pot. At this writing I am only on the second steep after two rinses, and I already like it, nice flavor, no bitterness, not funky, and very warming. As my Dear Readers know, this is worth mentioning because just weeks ago I couldn't drink any Puerhs yet! My palate is really opening up and I am delighted to find that this Puerh fits right in there with my blossoming newbie sensibilities. I love it and am going to follow their lead and play with it all day!
Here is what they have to say on their gorgeous website;
WHAT'S IT LIKE?
Mang Fe Shan is refreshingly well made. It hearkens back to times when quality was all we knew, and everything had primary, vital importance. It speaks of unpretentious care in a craft.Wet Leaf:
beautiful, large, dark, coarse leaves • exuding much glistening juice.
Broth:
thick and dense • much structure and body makes this a stand-your-teaspoon-in-it cupEnergy:
alive with equilibrium and sustainable energy • this tea is comfortable while artistically creativeA satisfyingly hefty brick for the seasoned connoisseur. This Mang Fe pu-erh meets the criteria of a well cared for tea. Each brick has such effervescence; playful and alive. A dark stout-like brew or a clear amber hue - this tea has versatility and likes you to tinker with it
There are very definite layers in this tea. We recommend that you take note of different characteristics as you become familiar with it and test your gung fu, trying to showcase them.
FACTS
- Vintage: late 1990's
- Category: Shou
- Format: Fang Cha (square tea brick)
- Leaf Grade: Unblended/large
- Growing Region: Mang Fe Shan
- Old tree
