Chang'an Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea Mini Cake 60g

• Tea Type: Fu Brick Tea (Fuzhuan Cha / 茯砖茶) / Dark Tea (Hei Cha / 黑茶)
• Raw Material Year: 2020–2024 Spring Harvest
• Pressing Year: 2024 (Production year may differ by batch based on available stock.)
• Origin of Raw Leaves: Lincang Tea Region, Yunnan Province, China
• Fermentation Location: Jingyang, Shaanxi Province (traditional Fu Brick birthplace)
• Tea Factory: On Taoism (Ji Yu Dao / 几于道) — 2025 World Tea Championship Award Winner; 2015 Milan World Expo Gold Award Recipient
• Leaf Grade: First Grade (Yi Ji / 一级); abundant visible tips (Hao Tou / 毫头)
• Form: Compressed thin mini cake, 60g
• Packaging: Individual cake wrapped for freshness; portable and travel-friendly
• Golden Flower Status: Active and abundant Eurotium cristatum bloom; even distribution throughout the cake
• Unique Processing: Traditional thick-brick fermentation for optimal Fa Hua development, then gently vibration-separated (not cut) to preserve whole leaves, and re-pressed into ultra-thin portable form
• Flavor Character from Origin: Yunnan Lincang leaves contribute pronounced sweetness, fuller body, and aromatic complexity—significantly elevated compared to traditional Qinling-sourced Fu Brick

Dry Leaf Appearance and Aroma:

Tightly compressed thin disc with visible silvery tips scattered across the dark brown surface. Dense golden-yellow Eurotium cristatum spores (Golden Flowers) are clearly visible when broken. The dry aroma presents roasted wood, aged oak, and a whisper of honey-date sweetness.

Wet Leaf Appearance and Aroma:

After steeping, leaves unfurl to reveal remarkably intact, tender leaves—evidence of the vibration-separation technique rather than cutting. The wet leaf releases waves of toasted grain, dried longan, and a subtle fungal earthiness characteristic of quality Golden Flower fermentation.

Liquor Color:

Deep amber to burnished copper, clear and luminous with excellent transparency—no cloudiness or sediment.

Taste and Mouthfeel:

The first sip delivers a velvety, coating texture that glides across the palate. Malty sweetness emerges in layers, reminiscent of barley sugar and caramelized toffee. Mid-palate reveals subtle roasted walnut and a gentle, warming earthiness. Absolutely clean—no bitterness, no astringency, no off-flavors whatsoever.

Empty Cup Aroma (Gua Bei Xiang / 挂杯香):

Lingering notes of sweet rice candy, dried apricot, and a faint honeyed warmth that persists long after the cup is emptied.

Aftertaste (Hui Gan / 回甘):

Clean, refreshing finish with a pleasant glutinous rice sweetness that unfolds slowly. A gentle, soothing warmth radiates from the chest and continues for several minutes.

Body Sensation (Cha Qi / 茶气):

Calming and centering. Many drinkers report a gentle warming sensation in the stomach area, followed by relaxation and a sense of grounded well-being. Ideal for post-meal enjoyment or meditative tea sessions.

Brewing Longevity:

Highly durable—easily yields 8–12 quality infusions with gongfu method; excellent for all-day simmering.

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

A: This Chang'an Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea offers a remarkably smooth and approachable flavor profile that Western palates find immediately appealing. Expect prominent notes of toasted barley, caramel, and malt—similar to a fine Scottish whisky's sweetness but without any alcohol. You will also detect subtle layers of roasted walnut, dried date, and a gentle earthiness reminiscent of forest floor after rain. The Golden Flowers (Eurotium cristatum) contribute a unique umami depth and transform any potential bitterness into smooth, honeyed sweetness. The finish is exceptionally clean, leaving a pleasant sensation similar to sticky rice candy or butterscotch.

Q: How is this Fu Brick Tea different from Pu-erh tea?

A: While both are Chinese dark teas (Hei Cha), they differ significantly in processing and character. Fu Brick Tea undergoes a unique Fa Hua (发花) process where beneficial Eurotium cristatum fungus is deliberately cultivated within the compressed tea. This creates the signature "Golden Flowers" visible throughout quality Fu Brick. Pu-erh relies on different microbial communities and aging processes. Fu Brick typically presents a cleaner, mellower, and more immediately approachable flavor profile with less of the intense earthiness sometimes found in young Shou Pu-erh. This particular tea uses premium Yunnan leaves—the same region famous for Pu-erh—giving it exceptional depth while maintaining Fu Brick's characteristic smoothness.

Q: Why is this mini cake so thin, and how do I use it?

A: The ultra-thin design is intentional and serves multiple purposes. First, it allows you to break off portions by hand without any tools—simply snap off what you need. Second, the thin profile makes it highly portable for travel, office, or outdoor brewing. The unique production method involves first fermenting the tea in traditional thick-brick form for optimal Golden Flower development, then gently vibrating the brick apart (rather than cutting, which would damage the leaves) and re-pressing into this convenient thin format. This preserves whole-leaf integrity while maximizing user convenience. For a single session, break off approximately 5–7 grams.

Q: What are the benefits of the Golden Flowers in Fu Brick Tea?

A: These specks are a beneficial probiotic fungus called Eurotium cristatum. This microorganism is purposely grown during the tea's production and is completely safe. This probiotic changes the tea's taste. It reduces bitterness while creating a mellow, sweet, and smooth flavor profile. Science has proven that these are beneficial probiotic fungus, Eurotium cristatum. They change the tea's flavor to be sweet and smooth. Traditionally, Fu Brick Tea has been consumed after heavy meals throughout Central Asia and the Middle East for centuries, valued for its warming, settling properties.

Gongfu Style (Recommended for Full Experience)

• Teaware: Gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot, 100–150ml capacity
• Tea Amount: 5–7g (approximately 1/10 of the mini cake)
• Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F), fully boiling
• Rinse: Perform one quick rinse (3–5 seconds), then discard. This awakens the leaves and removes any surface dust.
• First Infusion: 10–15 seconds
• Subsequent Infusions: Add 5–10 seconds per round; this tea can yield 8–12 quality steeps
• Tips: Do not over-steep early rounds. Allow the tea to open gradually for the best expression of its layered sweetness.

Simmering / Boiling Method (Traditional Central Asian Style)

• Teaware: Heat-resistant glass pot, ceramic pot, or stovetop kettle
• Tea Amount: 5–8g per 500ml water
• Procedure: Bring water to a boil, add tea, reduce to low simmer for 3–5 minutes. For stronger flavor, simmer up to 10 minutes.
• Serving: Pour through strainer. Can be kept warm on low heat and enjoyed throughout the day. Add fresh water as needed.
• Tips: This method extracts maximum depth from the Golden Flowers and creates a rich, warming brew perfect for cold weather.

Grandpa Style / Mug Steeping (Convenient Daily Method)

• Teaware: Large mug or thermos, 300–500ml
• Tea Amount: 3–5g
• Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
• Steeping Time: 3–5 minutes for first steep; leave leaves in mug and add hot water as you drink
• Tips: This forgiving tea will not turn bitter even with extended steeping, making it ideal for office or travel.

Western Style (Teapot or French Press)

• Teaware: Standard teapot or French press, 400–500ml
• Tea Amount: 4–6g
• Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
• Steeping Time: 3–4 minutes for first infusion; 4–5 minutes for subsequent infusions
• Tips: Can be re-steeped 3–4 times. French press works excellently for extracting the full-bodied character of this tea.

Note: Cold brewing is not recommended for Fu Brick Tea, as the beneficial Golden Flower compounds and full flavor profile require hot water extraction.

Storage Recommendations

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and strong odors
• Humidity: Moderate humidity is acceptable; avoid extremely damp conditions that could cause unwanted mold (distinct from the beneficial Golden Flowers)
• Container: Keep in original packaging or transfer to a breathable container such as a paper bag, cardboard box, or unglazed ceramic jar. Avoid airtight plastic containers.
• Separation: Store away from strongly scented items (spices, coffee, perfumes) as compressed tea can absorb ambient odors
• Aging Potential: Fu Brick Tea can be aged. Over time, the flavor will continue to mellow and develop additional complexity. The Golden Flowers remain stable in proper storage conditions.
• Shelf Life: Excellent long-term storage stability; many enthusiasts age Fu Brick Tea for years or even decades