Hani 2007

For lovers of complex aged Shengs.

Take the leaves from proper Gushu trees, estimated to be over 800 years old. Add the expertise of a medical doctor from the Tea and Health Research Institute at Central South University (中南大学), along with the centuries-old tea tradition of the Hani people. Let them craft the tea in their Hani Ancient Tea Factory (哈尼古茶厂), and then allow it to age and mellow in Hong Kong—since 2007, in this case. What you get is a true masterpiece of tea, mind-expanding in its complexity and body effect. A complexity that the tea manages by combining fragrance, mouthfeel, and taste into a harmonious, elegant, and refined whole. The nose is caressed by warm and sweet notes ranging from wild honey and salted caramel to a deep floral fragrance. The taste follows suit, transitioning from toffee and fragrant wood, with a hint of vanilla and honey sweetness, to a perfume-like, persistent aftertaste that somehow combines the fruitiness of dried plums with the florality of orchids. There is no astringency at all; instead, a soft and mellow mouthfeel rounds off a thoroughly comforting experience. A must-try for any serious explorer of aged Sheng Pu'Er!

Written by Sven