YXT Jingyang Fu Tea Ximanzi - 2018 Premium Shaanxi Dark Tea Brick

• Tea Type: Jingyang Fu Brick Tea (Fu Zhuan Cha 茯砖茶) / Chinese Dark Tea (Hei Cha 黑茶)
• Production Year: 2018, Spring Harvest
• Aging Status: 7 Years Naturally Aged (as of 2025)
• Raw Material: Special Second Grade Black Mao Cha (特二级黑毛茶) – premium grade rarely used in Fu Tea production
• Origin: High-altitude tea gardens in Qinling Mountains, Southern Shaanxi Province (Hanzhong and Ankang regions)
• Processing Factory: YXT Tea Factory (Jingyang Manzi Fu Tea Co., Ltd.), located in Jing River Valley, Jingyang County – authorized Geographic Indication Protected Product
• Compression Method: Machine-pressed for tight, consistent density
• Golden Flower Development: Abundant natural inoculation (Fa Hua 发花) with active Eurotium cristatum fungi
• Net Weight: 360g per brick
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, ideal for daily brewing and long-term storage
• Fermentation Environment: Clean, certified production facility with dedicated Fu Tea fermentation lines
• Maturity Stage: Peak drinkability with vibrant golden flower activity and smooth, sweet character

Dry Leaf Appearance & Aroma:
The brick displays a tightly compressed, uniform structure with distinctive golden-yellow specks of Eurotium cristatum (golden flowers) distributed throughout the dark brown leaves. Breaking off a piece reveals fresh fungal sweetness mingled with subtle earthy-woodsy notes—a gentle invitation to steep.

Steeped Leaf Appearance & Wet Aroma:
Once brewed or simmered, the leaves unfurl to reveal intact, robust black tea material. The wet leaf fragrance releases a comforting bouquet of sweet mushroom, toasted grain, and light honey-like warmth, with no musty or off-putting qualities.

Tea Liquor Color:
The brew pours a luminous amber-red to deep coppery-orange, crystal clear with excellent transparency—a visual testament to clean processing and proper aging.

Taste & Mouthfeel:
Immediately smooth and mellow on the palate, this tea opens with gentle sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar, dates, and toasted barley. The mid-palate reveals subtle earthy complexity—think forest floor after rain, with hints of roasted chestnut and savory umami depth from the golden flowers. There is zero bitterness or astringency; instead, the texture is velvety and coating, with a natural thickness that clings pleasantly to the tongue.

Empty Cup Aroma:
After finishing, the empty cup exudes a lingering sweet fragrance of honey, light floral notes, and a whisper of dried fruit—an endearing reminder of quality aging.

Aftertaste (Hui Gan 回甘):
The finish is remarkably clean and long-lasting, with returning sweetness (hui gan 回甘) that builds gently in the throat. A subtle cooling sensation and persistent honeyed sweetness linger for minutes after each sip, inviting you back for more.

Body Sensation:
Warming and comforting, this tea provides a gentle, grounding energy without jitters. Many drinkers report a soothing sensation in the stomach and a sense of calm focus—perfect for daily drinking or evening relaxation. Highly resilient through multiple infusions or extended simmering.

Q1: What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

YXT Jingyang Fu Tea Ximanzi offers a rich, mellow taste experience that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned dark tea enthusiasts. Expect prominent notes of brown sugar, toasted grains, and dried dates, balanced by earthy undertones reminiscent of forest mushrooms and chestnuts. The golden flowers (Eurotium cristatum fungi) contribute a subtle savory-umami depth and gentle fungal sweetness, similar to aged cheese or miso, but much lighter and more refined. There is absolutely no harsh bitterness, astringency, or off-putting mustiness—just smooth, clean sweetness with a velvety mouthfeel. The finish is long and honeyed, making this an exceptionally easy-drinking and comforting tea that pairs beautifully with meals or stands alone as a daily sipper.

Q2: Why is it recommended to boil or steep this tea for a long time?

Fu Tea bricks, especially those as tightly compressed as the Ximanzi, benefit immensely from extended heat exposure to fully unlock their flavor potential. Boiling (zhu cha 煮茶) or prolonged steeping (men pao 闷泡) allows hot water to penetrate deep into the compressed leaves, releasing the rich oils, polysaccharides, and active compounds from both the tea and the golden flowers. The result is a fuller-bodied, more complex brew with enhanced sweetness, deeper umami notes, and maximum health benefits. While gongfu-style brewing works well, simmering on low heat for 10-20 minutes extracts a luxuriously thick, sweet liquor that showcases the tea's true character. This method also highlights the golden flowers' unique contribution—smooth, savory depth without any bitterness—making every drop count.

Q3: What does "Special Second Grade" raw material mean, and why is it significant?

In Chinese tea grading, "Special Second Grade" (te er ji 特二级) refers to high-quality black mao cha (raw dark tea) made from mature yet tender leaves with minimal stems and excellent processing. Most Fu Tea is produced using Standard Third Grade or lower material to keep costs down, as the fermentation process can mask leaf quality. However, YXT's choice to use Special Second Grade leaves means this brick starts with a superior foundation: cleaner flavor, natural sweetness, better aging potential, and a smoother mouthfeel. This is rare and noteworthy in the Fu Tea world, as it demonstrates a commitment to premium quality over just tradition. You can taste the difference immediately—less earthiness, more sweetness, and zero unpleasant notes, even from the first steep.

Q4: Can I age this tea further, or is it best to drink now?

This 2018 Fu Tea brick is currently at a beautiful sweet spot—perfectly aged for immediate enjoyment with active golden flowers and balanced complexity. However, you can absolutely continue to age it if you prefer deeper, mellower profiles. Fu Tea is known for excellent long-term aging potential; over the next 5-10 years, the golden flowers will gradually diminish while the tea smooths out even further, developing richer woody, herbal, and sweet notes. Store it in a cool, dry place with moderate airflow (avoid sealing it completely), and it will reward you with increased depth and value. That said, many drinkers find the current 7-year aging already delivers exceptional flavor, so feel free to enjoy it now while also setting aside a portion for future exploration.

Brewing Methods

Boiling Method (Recommended for Maximum Flavor):

1. Break off 8-10g of tea from the brick (approximately a tablespoon-sized chunk).
2. Rinse briefly with boiling water to awaken the leaves and remove any surface dust.
3. Add the rinsed tea to 800ml-1000ml of fresh cold water in a pot or kettle.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10-20 minutes.
5. Strain and serve. The liquor will be rich, thick, and deeply sweet.
6. Tip: You can re-boil the same leaves 2-3 times, adding 5-10 minutes to each subsequent session.

Extended Steeping / Thermos Method (Men Pao 闷泡):

1. Break off 5-8g of tea and rinse briefly.
2. Place the tea in a large thermos (500ml-1L) and fill with boiling water.
3. Seal and let steep for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
4. Open, pour, and enjoy a smooth, sweet brew throughout the day.
5. Tip: Perfect for office or travel—just refill with boiling water and re-steep.

Gongfu Style (Traditional Chinese Method):

1. Use 8-10g of tea in a gaiwan or small teapot (150-200ml).
2. Rinse once with boiling water (100°C / 212°F).
3. First infusion: 15-20 seconds. Gradually increase steeping time by 5-10 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
4. This tea is highly resilient and can yield 8-12 flavorful steeps.
5. Tip: Gongfu brewing highlights the evolving sweetness and golden flower complexity across multiple infusions.

Western Style (Mug or French Press):

1. Use 3-5g of tea per 250-350ml mug or French press.
2. Rinse briefly, then steep in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
3. Strain and enjoy. You can re-steep the same leaves 2-3 times, adding 1-2 minutes per steep.
4. Tip: This is the easiest "set and forget" method for daily enjoyment without fuss.

Storage Recommendations

Optimal Conditions:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with a stable temperature between 18-25°C (64-77°F).
• Ensure moderate air circulation—do not seal completely in airtight containers, as Fu Tea benefits from slight breathability to maintain golden flower vitality.
• Keep away from strong odors (spices, coffee, perfumes), as tea readily absorbs surrounding scents.

Packaging:

• If opened, wrap the brick in clean, unscented paper or store in a breathable cloth bag, then place in a cardboard box or tea caddy.
• Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage, as they trap moisture.

Aging Notes:

• This tea can be enjoyed immediately or aged further for 5-10+ years. Check periodically (every 6-12 months) to ensure no mold or excessive moisture. If golden flowers fade over time, this is normal and indicates natural aging progression.

Humidity Warning:

• Keep relative humidity below 70%. Excess moisture can encourage unwanted mold growth (distinct from the beneficial golden flowers).