2008 Hei Shan "Old Tree Raw" Liu Bao Tea

Interesting. . .

"I had an interesting journey with this tea. I am pretty new to the world of Hei Cha, and this was my first experience with Liu Bao. The first time I made it I brewed it grandpa style and did not rinse it at all. It tasted extremely mildewy like mold and wet soil. I tried to continue sipping and drank the whole cup and even steeped it a second time but I could not adjust to the taste. This was very disappointing for me. About a week later i tried again, this time doing a bit of research on how to steep Liu Bao. I brewed it gong-fu style in a small side-handled kyusu and made sure to rinse it twice before tasting. It was much more enjoyable this time and I found myself surprised by the slightly metallic sour high-notes and the earthy soily taste was much more subtle and pleasant with a little bit of a woody/hay flavor. kind of a thick and syrupy mouthfeel that left a rounded sweet aftertaste in my mouth. Overall I still don't think I will be keeping this tea in my collection but perhaps brewing it in a Gaiwan would provide different results. A more seasoned Hei cha person might love this, it's just not for me."

— Emmanuel L. (3/5)

Earthy old book smelling. Lot's

"Earthy old book smelling. Lot's of clay-like aroma, great body and finish. Not bad on endurance. You can steep multiple times. Pretty good."

— Rene R. (4/5)

Yes for sure

"The brew has a roundness and a body to it that reveal the size and age of the materials/trees. Nice nutty, smooth brew with a little spice. Uplifting feeling of well-being. Very good value for the 100g. May all beings be happy and free of suffering."

— namespayne (5/5)

"Love it"

— Natalia (5/5)

A classic

"I typically drink this when I have a sore throat or some stuffiness and it clears me up in no time. Smooth and silky in the throat. It cannot really be over-brewed."

— Jeremy B. (5/5)

Forest Floor - In a good way

"Drinking this tea is truly a unique experience. The taste is truly reminiscent of being deep in a lush forest with piles of needles or leaves surrounding you. It has a prominent wet funky taste, which may turn some off if they are sensitive to a wet pile taste, but is a really nice tea that can be very nostalgic."

— Aaron V. (5/5)

2008 Hei Shan old tree Liu Bao

"Very nice clean earthly taste. Long lasting."

— pekka s. (5/5)

Top tea

"Bought this her cha due to many positive reviews and very happy did it. My wife is stunned by it. Very complex aroma and taste. There is fresh earth, celery, really many aromas. . . Fantastic choice - for sure, will get it again"

— George (5/5)

Righteous

"This tea is a treasure. When I first got it it needed to ‘air out’ there was a Dank note that quite frankly scared me . After a couple of days with the tea in a paper bag , in an open bag , the smell and flavor become more or a cognac forest floor , raisiny love fest. Super happy about it . Cha qi is righteous. Thankful for this one."

— Blaize K. (5/5)

Excellent

"I loved this tea. Other reviews encouraged me to try it by describing notes of soil, petrichor, old wood, and saying it tastes like the forest it grew in. I completely agree. Great tea and lasts for many steeps."

— Erik A. (5/5)