YXT 5-Year Aged Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea Bags

Appearance & Aroma (Dry Leaf)

• Visual: Dark brown to black leaf fragments with visible golden-yellow specks of Eurotium cristatum distributed throughout
• Dry Aroma: A light mushroom-like aroma layered with notes of dried hay, subtle earthiness, and a hint of aged wood; faint sweetness reminiscent of dried dates

Wet Leaf (After Brewing)

• Leaf Appearance: Deep olive-brown leaves with intact structure; stems visible (characteristic of authentic Fu Brick production)
• Wet Aroma: Amplified fungal sweetness, warm grain notes, and undertones of leather and old library books

Liquor Color

• Description: Bright amber to deep copper-gold; clear with excellent transparency; develops richer mahogany tones in later infusions

Mouthfeel

• Texture: Silky mouthfeel, and lingering sweetness. Smooth, rich, and easy on the stomach.
• Body: Medium-full; coating without heaviness
• Hui Gan (Returning Sweetness): Moderate to strong; builds gradually and persists for several minutes
• Sheng Jin (Salivation): Gentle, sustained moisture on the palate

Core Flavor Notes

• Primary: Malt, toasted grain, dried longan
• Secondary: Slightly earthy raisin and ginseng notes. Hints of walnut, subtle cocoa, aged oak
• Tertiary: Clean mineral finish, distant leather, faint medicinal herbaceousness (comparable to gentle licorice root)
• Analogous to: The smooth, slightly funky complexity of a well-aged natural wine or the mellow caramel-wood character of a 10-year bourbon—approachable yet layered

Empty Cup & Finish

• Empty Cup Aroma: Sweet grain, dried apricot, lingering fungal florals
• Finish: Long and warming; clean sweetness persists with woody undertones; no astringency or bitterness

Body Sensation (Chaqi)

• Physical Response: Gentle warmth radiating from the chest; mild relaxation without drowsiness
• Digestive Comfort: Traditionally, people who ate lots of meat, fat, and dairy but few fresh vegetables valued Fu Brick Tea. They used it to help digestion.
• Chaqi Intensity: 3/5 — Present but gentle; suitable for all-day drinking without overstimulation

Gongfu Method (Recommended for Full Experience)

• Leaf Amount: 1 bag (4g) per 100-120ml vessel (gaiwan or small teapot)
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)—boiling is fine
• Rinse: One quick rinse (5 seconds) to awaken the leaves; discard
• Steep Times: Start at 10-15 seconds for the first infusion; add 5-10 seconds per subsequent infusion
• Expected Infusions: 8-12+ steeps from one bag
• Tip: Pour immediately after each infusion; do not let leaves sit in water between pours

Grandpa Method (Simple All-Day Drinking)

• Leaf Amount: 1 bag (4g) per 300-400ml tall glass or mug
• Water Temperature: 90-100°C (194-212°F)
• Method: Place bag in glass; add hot water; sip as you work. Add more hot water as you drink down to about one-third full
• Note: This method produces a lighter, more continuous drinking experience. The whole-leaf format prevents over-extraction

Western Style (Large Teapot or French Press)

• Leaf Amount: 1-2 bags (4-8g) per 500ml
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
• Rinse: Optional quick rinse
• Steep Time: 3-5 minutes for first infusion; 5-7 minutes for second and third
• Expected Infusions: 2-3 steeps
• Tip: Remove bags promptly to prevent over-steeping

Simmering / Boiling Method (Traditional Nomadic Style)

• Leaf Amount: 2 bags (8g) per 800ml-1L water
• Method: Bring water to boil; reduce to simmer; add tea bags; simmer for 3-5 minutes
• Serving: Strain into cups or keep warm in a thermos
• Note: This intensifies the warming, digestive-supporting qualities and produces a robust, full-bodied liquor. Can add milk if desired—traditional in Tibetan and Mongolian consumption

Thermos Steeping (Mèn Pào, 焖泡)

• Leaf Amount: 1-2 bags (4-8g) per 500ml thermos
• Water Temperature: 90-95°C (194-203°F)
• Method: Add tea bags and hot water; seal thermos; allow to steep for 30-60 minutes
• Result: Smooth, deeply extracted liquor perfect for travel or all-day sipping
• Tip: Start with 1 bag if new to this method; adjust to taste

Ideal Conditions:

• Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
• Room temperature (15-30°C / 59-86°F) is ideal
• Moderate humidity (50-70%) is acceptable; avoid extremely damp environments
• Keep away from strong odors (spices, perfumes, cleaning products)

Container:

• Original packaging is suitable for short-term storage
• For long-term keeping, transfer to a clean, odor-free ceramic jar or cardboard box allowing minimal air exchange

Important: Do NOT refrigerate or freeze.

Shelf Life: Properly stored, aged Fu Brick Tea remains enjoyable indefinitely and may continue to improve over years. These tea bags are best consumed within 3-5 years for optimal freshness of the packaging material.