Gushu

Baiyingshan 2021

For the lovers of young sheng with many layers.

A withdrawn character could be a quality to cherish in a young sheng pu'er. This one from Bai Ying Mountain draws out a subtle body of aromas between traces of cream and the mouth-cleansing hui gan of camphor. Through a long succession of brews, it exposes innumerable layers in its golden liquor: fragrant pomelo, metallic minerals, ripe passionfruit and cooked collard greens topped with a savory dressing oil. And as if to assume a prodigious maturity, the brew is of a clear and palpable structure supported by tannins gliding pleasantly over the tongue and cheeks. To understand this complexity, perhaps it is worth contemplating its origins, where a unique harmony between the tea trees—old and wild, young and domesticated—characterizes the land. A noteworthy investigation and a scholarly pursuit, much like that suggested by the illustration on the wrapper.

  • ORIGIN:  Baiyingshan, Manwan, Yun, Lincang, Yunnan, China
  • MEANING:  White warbler/eagle mountain (bai ying shan)
  • CULTIVAR:  Da Ye Zhong
  • HARVEST TIME:  Early spring 2021
  • TASTE:  Pomelo, minerals, collard greens

Preparation

IN THE TEAPOT
  • Quantity: 6g / 500ml
  • Water temperature: 100°C
  • Infusion time: 5 min
GONGFU CHA METHOD
  • Quantity: 5g / 100ml
  • Water temperature: 100°C
  • Several short infusions

Start with few seconds. Increase the brewing time at each following infusion. Exception: If the leaves are pressed, make the first infusion longer than the second. For best results in gongfu cha, brew in a Yixing teapot.