On Taoism - Jingyang Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea - 190g Cake

• 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 (brighter, more intense aroma). Yellow-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 promoting superior flowering development)
• Net Weight: 190g per cake
• Sessions per Cake: Approximately 25-40 sessions (using 5-8g per session)
• Golden Flower Status: Dense, evenly distributed Eurotium cristatum throughout the interior — identical density to the 350g version
• Production Characteristics: Post-fermentation Fahua (发花) process cultivates beneficial Eurotium cristatum, creating the signature mellow sweetness and probiotic benefits
• Flavor Advantage from Yunnan Material: Premium Yunnan spring tea base delivers notably brighter, sweeter, and more aromatic character compared to conventional Fu Brick made with Shaanxi Qinling or Hunan Anhua material
• Ideal For: First-time Fu Brick explorers, tea gift giving, collection sampling, office or travel brewing

Dry Leaf Appearance and Aroma

The compact 190g cake displays tightly compressed, bud-rich material in warm chestnut-brown tones. When you break into the cake, the interior reveals abundant golden-yellow spores—the signature Golden Flowers (Eurotium cristatum) that distinguish quality Fu Brick. The dry aroma is immediately inviting: clean notes of toasted grain, dried longan, and a delicate floral whisper reminiscent of osmanthus blossoms.

Wet Leaf Appearance and Aroma

Once infused, the leaves expand to reveal intact buds and tender leaves—clear evidence of the premium 2020 spring harvest. The wet leaf releases a rich, enveloping fragrance with layers of honey, caramelized barley, and a fresh, almost meadow-like brightness characteristic of quality Yunnan material.

Liquor Color

The brewed tea presents a luminous amber to deep copper hue—brilliant, transparent, and completely clear with no cloudiness or sediment.

Taste and Mouthfeel

The transformation created by Eurotium cristatum is immediately apparent: this tea delivers a silken, full body that coats the palate with natural sweetness completely free of bitterness or astringency. Expect notes of honeyed jujube dates, toasted walnut, dried apricot, and gentle hints of cinnamon that evolve across multiple infusions. The mouthfeel is remarkably smooth—an ideal introduction for those who find some dark teas too earthy or intense. This tea rewards patience: expect 12-15 flavorful infusions from each 5-8g session.

Empty Cup Fragrance

After pouring, the empty cup retains a lasting sweet fragrance—warm honey, toasted grains, and delicate floral notes linger, inviting you to breathe deeply before the next infusion.

Finish and Aftertaste (Huigan)

A gentle returning sweetness (huigan, 回甘) rises from the throat and spreads across the tongue. The finish is clean, enduring, and subtly warming—a satisfying conclusion that lingers pleasantly.

Body Sensation

Fu Brick Tea is traditionally valued for digestive support and gentle warming properties. This tea produces a comfortable warmth in the core, promotes relaxation without drowsiness, and is particularly enjoyable after meals. The probiotic benefits of Eurotium cristatum support gut health, making this an excellent daily wellness tea.

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 cinnamon warmth, and a gentle floral finish. The Eurotium cristatum (Golden Flowers) metabolize bitter compounds during fermentation, transforming them into sweet, mellow flavors. Unlike some dark teas that taste intensely earthy or musty, this Fu Brick is exceptionally clean with zero bitterness or harsh notes. If you have hesitated to try dark tea because of concerns about strong flavors, this is the perfect starting point—dessert-like sweetness without any cloying heaviness.

Q: Is 190g enough to really experience this tea? How many sessions will I get?

A: Absolutely. At 190g, you can expect approximately 25-40 brewing sessions using 5-8g per session (Gongfu style). Each session yields 12-15 infusions, meaning this single cake provides roughly 300-500 individual cups of tea. This is more than enough to thoroughly explore the tea's character, understand how it evolves across infusions, and decide whether Fu Brick Tea deserves a larger place in your collection. Many customers begin with the 190g format and return for our 350g cake once they fall in love with the flavor profile.

Q: Is this the same tea as the 350g version, or a different quality?

A: This is the identical tea—same 2020 spring harvest from Yunnan (Lincang or Fengqing), same Jingyang Fahua processing, same Golden Flower density, same World Tea Championship-winning quality. The only difference is the cake size. We offer the 190g format specifically to make award-winning Fu Brick accessible to first-time explorers and gift-givers. You sacrifice nothing in terms of quality by choosing this size.

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

A: Both versions use exceptional 2020 spring material with high bud content, but from different Yunnan regions. The black-wrapped version uses Grade One dark tea from Lincang—expect a brighter, more aromatic, and more intense fragrance profile. The yellow-wrapped version uses Special Grade One dark tea from Fengqing—expect deeper, richer, more contemplative aromatics. Neither is superior; they represent different expressions of the same masterful craft. If you enjoy lively, fragrant teas, choose black. If you prefer depth and complexity, choose red.

Q: I am new to Fu Brick Tea. Do I need any special equipment or skills?

A: Not at all. While Fu Brick Tea responds beautifully to Gongfu brewing with a gaiwan or Yixing teapot, it is equally forgiving in a simple mug, French press, or thermos. The key is using fully boiling water (100°C/212°F) and giving the leaves a brief rinse before your first drinking infusion. We provide complete brewing instructions below for multiple methods. Fu Brick is one of the most beginner-friendly dark teas—its natural sweetness and zero bitterness mean it is difficult to overbrew or make a bad cup.

Before You Begin

This 190g cake is compact but easy to work with. Use a tea knife, tea pick, or even a butter knife to gently pry off approximately 5-8 grams per session. Insert your tool into the edge of the cake and lever gently—the compressed tea will flake away in layers. Try to preserve leaf integrity when possible, but do not worry if some leaves break; the tea will brew beautifully regardless.

Gongfu Style (Recommended for Full Appreciation)

• Vessel: Gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot (120-150ml capacity)
• Leaf Amount: 5-8g (roughly a small handful of broken cake)
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F) — full rolling boil
• Rinse: Pour boiling water over leaves, swirl briefly, and discard after 5-10 seconds. This awakens the leaves and rinses away any surface dust from compression.
• First Infusion: 10-15 seconds
• Subsequent Infusions: Add 5-10 seconds per round as the leaves open
• Expected Infusions: 12-15 flavorful rounds
• Tips: Do not rush. Allow 30 seconds between pours for the leaves to rest. Notice how the flavor evolves—early infusions are brighter and more floral; later infusions become deeper and more honeyed.

Boiling Method (Zhu Cha, 煮茶 — Traditional Simmering)

• Vessel: Heat-safe glass pot, ceramic pot, or stainless steel kettle
• Leaf Amount: 3-5g per 500ml water
• Preparation: Rinse leaves briefly with boiling water and discard.
• Method: Add rinsed leaves to room-temperature or warm water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Pour and enjoy.
• Best For: Extracting maximum depth and body; produces a thicker, richer soup; ideal for cold weather or when you desire a more intense experience.
• Tips: You can add more water to the same leaves and boil again for 2-3 additional rounds.

Thermos Steeping (Men Pao, 闷泡 — Extended Infusion)

• Vessel: Pre-warmed thermos or insulated travel flask
• Leaf Amount: 3-5g per 500ml capacity
• Preparation: Rinse leaves briefly with boiling water and discard.
• Method: Add rinsed leaves to thermos, fill with freshly boiled water, seal, and steep for 1-2 hours (or longer—this tea is very forgiving).
• Best For: Office brewing, travel, or all-day sipping. Produces a mellow, sweet, smooth liquor with minimal attention required.
• Tips: Prepare in the morning and enjoy throughout your workday. The extended steeping extracts gentle sweetness without any bitterness.

Western Style (Mug or French Press)

• Vessel: Large mug (350-400ml) with infuser basket, or French press
• Leaf Amount: 3-4g
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F) — full boil
• Rinse: Quick rinse with boiling water, discard
• Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes for first infusion
• Subsequent Infusions: Add 1-2 minutes for each additional steep
• Expected Infusions: 3-5 enjoyable rounds
• Tips: This method is simple and accessible for beginners. The flavor will be lighter than Gongfu but still sweet and satisfying.

Fu Brick Tea improves with age when stored properly. Even this 190g cake can be aged for years or decades, developing deeper complexity over time.

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry, dark location with gentle natural air circulation. Avoid airtight containers—Fu Brick benefits from minimal airflow.
• Temperature: Room temperature is ideal. Avoid locations with extreme temperature swings.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity (50-70%) is optimal. Avoid excessive dryness (which halts aging) and excessive dampness (which risks mold).
• Odor Isolation: Keep away from kitchens, spices, perfumes, and strongly scented teas (such as Jasmine or roasted Oolongs). Fu Brick readily absorbs ambient odors.
• Light Protection: Store away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting.
• Container Options: Keep in original paper wrapping, place in a breathable cotton bag, or store in an unglazed ceramic jar. Avoid sealed plastic bags or airtight glass jars.
• Separation: Store Fu Brick Tea separately from Sheng Pu-erh, white tea, and other tea types with different storage needs.
• Aging Potential: This tea is already five years from harvest and drinking beautifully. With proper storage, expect continued improvement over 10-20+ years. The Golden Flowers will stabilize, the tea will become increasingly mellow, and new flavor dimensions will emerge.