Balanced Premium Grade Shu Pu-erh

Jan 18, 2011

by Kort_Kramer
posted in Tea Time

Exclusive to the Lunch Network

Rating:

First, here's a little info on Pu-erh tea:

Pu-erh is aged, large leaf Chinese tea mostly from the Yunnan province that is low in tannins and has a rich, unique earthy flavor. They actually can improve with age, much like wine, cigars and cheese. All teas offer a variety of health benefits, but pu-erh has an extra one. According to scientific studies, drinking it can help reduce cholesterol. By helping digestion--particularly of fatty foods--pu-erh is the perfect tea to consume after a heavy meal. It comes in two varieties; naturally aged (sheng) and fermented (shu). Shu pu-erh was developed so that we could enjoy the taste and benefits of sheng, without having to wait for years and even decades for it to mature. Young shengs can be exceedingly bitter and astringent, but mellow with age.

Pu-erh typically brews up a dark reddish color and has a bold, earthy taste. Unlike most other teas, pu-erh is usually purchased in a compressed state rather than loose leaves. The leaves are pressed together during processing into a variety of shapes. To brew some up, you shave off some tea from the cake or brick and into your teapot.

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I have now had the chance to sample a number of sheng and shu pu-erhs and I've come to the conclusion that given the choice, I'd rather have a naturally aged sheng in most cases. However, I sometimes get a craving that only the smooth, rich shu can soothe. Many shus don't live up to that promise, but the 2007 Menghai Golden Needle & White Lotus is not one of them. It has a satisfying flavor and calming energy that is hard to find at this price point. It brews up dark with a pleasant, mild earthiness, slight mineral note and a hint of a caramel sweet aftertaste. I usually get at least five good infusions from it as well (often up to ten), with the flavor profile shifting a bit each time.

Overall, a very satisfying shu pu-erh. It can be brewed up using western methods, but for the best flavor I recommend brewing it gongfu style. I purchased mine from jas-etea and recommend trying a sample before buying a full beeng.

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Sharrie January 23, 2011

This tea has been over speculated to a ridiculous price. Originally grown in Yunnan, it was one of those tea that anyone can afford to drink. Anyway, you might wanna try drinking it with some chrysanthemum. That's one way the Chinese drink it. :-)

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ornleifs January 18, 2011

Interesting, I have not yet tried these Teas but it's obvious I must try these.

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devora January 18, 2011

Always love your tea reviews, Kort! Did you end up buying a full beeng of this? And if you have, have you broken it open to have some? I've been given a few of these from family members and they're so pretty and cool looking that I haven't had the heart to break into it! One of these days. Apparently, with the particular teas that I was given, they get better with time, just like wine :P Thanks for sharing!

Kort_Kramer January 19, 2011

Thanks Orn and no Devora, I didn't buy a full beeng yet, but am sorely tempted. I have so many samples I've already bought to still get through, I'd hate to add more to the list. Of course, it is a pu, so it will keep... ;)

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About the reviewer

Kort (Kort_Kramer)
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