On Taoism Jingyang Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea - 350g Cake (2020)

• Tea Type: Fu Brick Tea (Fuzhuan Cha, 茯砖茶) / Dark Tea (Hei Cha, 黑茶)
• Compression Year: 2020
• Raw Material Harvest: 2020 Spring (high bud density)
• Origin of Raw Material:Black-wrapped version: Lincang, Yunnan Province (more intense aroma)Red-wrapped version: Fengqing, Yunnan Province (deeper, richer aroma)
• Processing Location: Jingyang, Shaanxi Province — the historic birthplace of Fu Brick Tea
• Tea Factory: On Taoism (Ji Yu Dao, 几于道) — clean-production pioneer using climate-controlled Fahua rooms
• Shape: Round Cake (rare format allowing superior fermentation airflow)
• Net Weight: 350g per cake (pre-split in half at factory for easy portioning)
• Golden Flower Status: In high-quality Fu Brick Tea, the two most important indicators are the even distribution and the richness of the Golden Flowers. The more abundant the growth, the better the fermentation process—and the higher the overall quality. Dense, evenly distributed throughout the interior.
• Production Characteristics: Fu Brick Tea's character comes from the secondary, oxygen-based "Fahua" process that grows Eurotium cristatum. This creates completely different flavors and microbial compositions.
• Flavor Notes from Yunnan Material: The use of Yunnan Province tea bases (rather than traditional Shaanxi Qinling or Hunan Anhua material) provides a notably brighter, more aromatic, and sweeter character with enhanced body and depth not found in conventional Fu Brick. New tea makers now use leaves from high mountains in Yunnan or delicate white tea from Fujian. These create exciting new flavors you'll see in our recommendations.

Dry Leaf Appearance and Aroma

The cake surface displays tightly compressed, bud-heavy material in warm chestnut-brown tones. Upon breaking the cake (conveniently pre-split at factory), the interior reveals a stunning constellation of golden-yellow spores—the signature Golden Flowers (Eurotium cristatum). The dry aroma is clean, warm, and inviting: notes of toasted grain, dried longan, and a subtle floral undertone reminiscent of osmanthus.

Wet Leaf Appearance and Aroma

Once infused, the leaves unfurl to reveal intact buds and tender leaves—evidence of the premium spring harvest. The wet leaf emits a rich, sweet fragrance with layers of honey, caramelized barley, and a fresh, almost meadow-like quality unique to Yunnan material.

Liquor Color

The brewed tea presents a luminous amber to deep copper hue—brilliant, transparent, and inviting with no cloudiness whatsoever.

Taste and Mouthfeel

This probiotic changes the tea's taste. It reduces bitterness while creating a mellow, sweet, and smooth flavor profile. Expect a silken, full body that coats the palate with natural sweetness. Notes of honeyed dates, toasted walnut, dried apricot, and a whisper of cinnamon emerge across infusions. Absolutely zero bitterness, zero astringency, and no off-flavors or mustiness. Good Fuzhuan can make 10-15 tasty cups. This tea can be steeped 12-15 times and remains flavorful.

Empty Cup Fragrance

After pouring, the empty cup retains a lasting sweetness—warm honey, toasted grains, and delicate floral notes linger.

Finish and Aftertaste (Huigan)

A gentle, returning sweetness (huigan, 回甘) rises from the throat and spreads across the tongue. The finish is clean, long-lasting, and warming.

Body Sensation

This is a tea for daily wellness. Health benefits include gut support, weight management, liver protection, and antioxidants. Gentle warming sensation in the core; promotes relaxation without overstimulation. Ideal after meals to support digestion.

Q: What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

A: This On Taoism Golden Flower Fu Brick delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety mouthfeel with pronounced natural sweetness. Think honeyed dates, toasted barley, dried longan, subtle hints of cinnamon, and a finishing touch of floral elegance. Studies show this fungus changes the tea's chemicals. It eats the bitter parts and turns them into sweet, rich flavors. Unlike some dark teas that can taste earthy or musty, this Fu Brick is exceptionally clean with zero bitterness or harsh notes. The Golden Flowers transform the tea into something dessert-like yet never cloying—perfect for those new to dark teas or anyone seeking a daily comfort tea.

Q: What is the difference between the black-wrapped and red-wrapped versions?

A: We offer two options: One is black-wrapped. The tea leaves come from grade one dark tea from Lincang, Yunnan, and the tea aroma is more intense. The other is red-wrapped. The tea leaves come from particular grade one dark tea from Fengqing, Yunnan, and the tea aroma is deeper. Both use premium spring-harvested materials with high bud content, but Lincang offers a brighter, more aromatic profile while Fengqing provides greater depth and richness. Choose black-wrapped for a lively, fragrant experience; choose red-wrapped for a more contemplative, layered cup.

Q: How does using Yunnan tea material differ from traditional Fu Brick made with Shaanxi or Hunan leaves?

A: Traditional Fu Brick Tea typically uses coarser, mature leaves from Shaanxi's Qinling Mountains or Hunan's Anhua region. Traditional Fu Brick uses leaves from Anhua, Hunan, giving an earthy taste. New tea makers now use leaves from high mountains in Yunnan or delicate white tea from Fujian. These create exciting new flavors you'll see in our recommendations. By sourcing fine-grade spring tea with abundant buds from Yunnan's renowned Lincang and Fengqing regions, On Taoism achieves a cup that is sweeter, cleaner, more aromatic, and with greater depth than conventional Fu Bricks. The higher levels of natural compounds in spring buds also provide enhanced complexity as the tea ages.

Q: How long can I age this Fu Brick Tea, and will it improve?

A: Age matters too. This tea gets better over time, becoming smoother and deeper. Already five years from harvest (2020), this tea is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop for many more years. The dense Golden Flowers and premium base material ensure excellent aging potential. Store properly and enjoy watching your tea evolve over decades. Many collectors age quality Fu Brick for 10-20+ years.

Before You Begin

This 350g cake comes pre-split down the center at the factory for your convenience. Use a tea knife or pick to gently pry off approximately 5-8 grams per session. Try to preserve leaf integrity when possible.

Gongfu Style (Recommended for Full Appreciation)

• Vessel: Gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot (120-150ml)
• Leaf Amount: 5-8g
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F) full boiling water
• Rinse: Pour boiling water over leaves, discard after 5-10 seconds. This awakens the leaves and cleanses the surface.
• First Infusion: 10-15 seconds
• Subsequent Infusions: Add 5-10 seconds each round. This tea performs excellently for 12-15 infusions.

Boiling Method (Zhu Cha, 煮茶 — Traditional Simmering)

• Vessel: Heat-safe glass or ceramic pot, stovetop or electric kettle
• Leaf Amount: 3-5g per 500ml water
• Preparation: Rinse leaves briefly with boiling water first.
• Method: Put them in a pot with water, bring to a gentle boil for 1-2 minutes, then simmer a few more minutes. The tea will be dark, rich, and very smooth.
• Best For: Extracting maximum depth; ideal for older Fu Brick or when a richer, thicker soup is desired.

Thermos Steeping (Men Pao, 闷泡 — Extended Infusion)

• Vessel: Pre-warmed thermos or insulated flask
• Leaf Amount: 3-5g per 500ml
• Preparation: Rinse leaves briefly first.
• Method: Add leaves to thermos, fill with boiling water, seal, and steep for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Strain and enjoy warm throughout the day.
• Best For: Office or travel; produces a mellow, sweet liquor with less hands-on attention.

Western Style (Mug or French Press)

• Vessel: Large mug (350-400ml) or French press
• Leaf Amount: 3-4g
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
• Rinse: Quick rinse, discard water
• Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes for first infusion; extend for subsequent steeps
• Note: Good for casual drinking; can achieve 3-5 pleasant infusions

Storage Recommendations

Store in a clean, well-ventilated space away from sunlight, heat, and strong odors.

• Environment: Cool, dry, dark location with gentle air circulation
• Avoid: Kitchens (cooking odors), bathrooms (humidity fluctuations), direct sunlight, sealed plastic bags (no airflow)
• Container: Keep in original paper wrapping or breathable fabric; unglazed ceramic jars also work well
• Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity (50-70%); avoid both excessive dryness and dampness
• Separation: Store away from strongly scented teas (Oolongs, Jasmine, etc.)
• Aging Potential: This tea improves with proper storage over years and even decades. This tea keeps changing, getting better long after it's made.