2025 Lao Tong Zhi 7548 Raw Pu Erh Tea Cake

Don't be afraid of Pu'er!

The cake is compact and fragrant; the leaves are a grayish-green color that reveals the buds on the surface. Infused at 95°C for 2 minutes, the wet leaves take on a yellowish-green hue and release a woody aroma that gradually reveals floral notes typical of the undergrowth. The liqueur is a deep, slightly amber yellow, with a scent somewhere between intense, woody herbaceous and floral. The same aromas perceptible on the nose persist on tasting, with initial woody notes giving way to a sweet, spicy, and vaguely dried fruity sensation. The body is enveloping, and the mouthfeel is decidedly smooth. The aftertaste lasts a long time, highlighting the sweetest, softest aromas, with a slight lingering aftertaste. A balanced and pleasant tea, albeit "young," with an excellent quality-price ratio. I'm curious to see how it ages. I'll update this review in... 10 years?