Thé Fuzhuan aux fleurs dorées de Jingyang (280 g) - Thé Fuzhuan du Yunnan de qualité supérieure aux fleurs dorées

• Tea Type: Fu Brick Tea (茯砖茶, Fuzhuan Cha) / Post-Fermented Dark Tea (黑茶, Heicha)
• Raw Material Harvest: Spring 2018
• Pressing Date: 2019
• Age: 5+ Years (as of 2024)
• Origin of Raw Leaves: High-altitude tea gardens in southern Shaanxi's Qinling Mountain range (Ziyang and Nanzheng counties, Hanzhong region) — estate-owned by YXT Factory
• Production Region: Jingyang County, Shaanxi Province — the authenticated birthplace of Fu Brick Tea
• Producer: YXT (Yongxingtai / 永兴泰) Tea Factory, Jingyang Manzi Fucha Co., Ltd. Established 2012 in Jingyang; facilities exceed 5,000 sqm with dedicated hand-pressing and machine lines; annual capacity 1,000+ tons of premium Fu Brick Tea
• Certification: Authorized to use China's Geographic Indication for Jingyang Brick Tea (泾阳砖茶地理标志)
• Pressing Method: Traditional hand-pressing (手工筑制, Shougong Zhuzhi) — layer-by-layer compression for optimal golden flower cultivation
• Net Weight: 500g per brick
• Packaging Format: Single compressed brick, ideal for both daily brewing and long-term aging collection
• Golden Flower Status: Abundant and active — dense Eurotium cristatum colonies visible on interior cross-sections; moderate brick compression allows continued fungal vitality
• Leaf Composition: Tender spring leaves with select stem content (茶梗, Chageng) — stems naturally enhance sweetness and support golden flower development
• Tasting Character: Clean, mellow, and smooth with zero off-flavors — characteristic of high-altitude Qinling raw materials processed in YXT's hygienic production facility

Dry Leaf Appearance & Aroma

The brick surface displays a rich, dark brown color with an oily sheen indicating proper post-fermentation (渥堆, Wodui). Upon breaking the brick, you will immediately notice the abundant golden flower colonies—plump, granular, and densely distributed across the inner cross-section. The dry aroma presents warm notes of aged grain, toasted barley, and subtle dried fruit, with the distinctive fungal sweetness of healthy Eurotium cristatum.

Wet Leaf Appearance & Aroma

After brewing, the leaves unfurl to reveal clean, tender material with a lustrous, olive-brown hue—free from any impurities or foreign matter. The wet leaf aroma intensifies into rich notes of sweet hay, roasted chestnuts, and a hint of aged wood, with the golden flower's signature warm, biscuit-like fragrance becoming more pronounced.

Liquor Color

Bright orange-amber to reddish-copper, remarkably clear and translucent with no cloudiness or sediment—a hallmark of well-processed, cleanly fermented Fu Brick Tea.

Taste & Mouthfeel

The first sip reveals immediate smoothness—no astringency, no bitterness, no harsh edges. The flavor profile unfolds with:

• Primary notes: Roasted barley, toasted wheat, caramelized brown sugar
• Secondary notes: Dried apricot, subtle cinnamon warmth, hints of walnut
• Texture: Velvety, full-bodied, and coating—the liquor glides across the palate with a silky, almost creamy quality

The golden flower contribution is unmistakable: a distinctive mellow sweetness and round, grain-forward warmth that machine-pressed teas rarely achieve.

Empty Cup Aroma (杯底香, Beidi Xiang)

After finishing, the empty cup retains a lingering sweetness reminiscent of honey-drizzled toast, dried dates, and warm cereal grains—inviting you to pour another cup.

Aftertaste & Returning Sweetness (回甘, Huigan)

A gentle, lasting sweetness rises from the throat, clean and refreshing. The finish is remarkably long, with subtle notes of dried longan and a pleasant warming sensation that persists for minutes.

Body Sensation (体感, Tigan)

This tea delivers a gentle, centering warmth that radiates from the core—comforting without being overpowering. Many drinkers report a calm, grounded feeling after several cups, making it ideal for post-meal digestion or relaxed evening sessions. The clean processing ensures no heaviness or discomfort, only smooth, sustained energy.

Brewing Endurance

Exceptional longevity—expect 10-15 quality infusions using gongfu method, with the sweetness and body remaining consistent through multiple steeps.

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

This Fu Brick Tea offers a remarkably smooth and mellow drinking experience that Western tea enthusiasts often compare to a warm, comforting breakfast cereal or freshly baked whole-grain bread. The dominant flavors include roasted barley, toasted wheat, and caramelized brown sugar, complemented by subtle notes of dried stone fruit like apricot. Unlike some dark teas that can taste earthy or musty, this brick has been cleanly processed and aged, resulting in zero off-flavors, bitterness, or astringency. The presence of abundant golden flowers (Eurotium cristatum) contributes a unique rounded sweetness and grain-forward warmth. The texture is notably velvety and full-bodied, coating your palate smoothly. The aftertaste lingers pleasantly with hints of honey and dried dates. After five-plus years of aging, any rough edges have transformed into pure, harmonious mellowness. It pairs exceptionally well with rich foods or can stand alone as a satisfying, warming cup. Overall, expect an approachable, naturally sweet dark tea perfect for newcomers and connoisseurs alike.

Q2: Why can I not see any golden flowers on the surface of the brick? Is this normal?

Yes, this is completely normal and actually indicates authentic, traditional production. Golden flowers (金花, Jinhua / Eurotium cristatum) develop primarily within the interior of the brick during the "flowering" fermentation stage (发花, Fahua), not on the external surface. This occurs because the fungus requires specific humidity and oxygen conditions found inside the compressed tea mass. When you break or pry open the brick, you will discover abundant golden flower colonies densely covering the interior cross-sections—plump, granular, and vibrant. In fact, a brick showing golden flowers only on the outside might indicate surface contamination or improper storage rather than genuine internal cultivation. The traditional hand-pressing method used for this brick creates a slightly looser internal structure compared to machine-pressed versions, providing ideal air circulation for golden flower proliferation throughout. Simply use a tea pick or knife to carefully break off your desired portion, and you will immediately see the impressive golden coverage inside. This is the authentic characteristic of properly made Jingyang Fu Brick Tea.

Q3: What are the benefits of hand-pressed Fu Brick Tea compared to machine-pressed versions?

Hand-pressing (手工筑制, Shougong Zhuzhi) offers several significant advantages that directly impact tea quality and golden flower development. First, the traditional technique involves feeding tea leaves into the mold from the narrow end and compacting layer by layer with wooden tools—this creates visible horizontal stratification within the brick that you can observe when breaking it apart. Second, hand-pressed bricks have a moderately loose compression compared to the tight, uniform density of machine-pressed versions. This looser structure is crucial because it allows better air circulation inside the brick, creating optimal conditions for Eurotium cristatum to colonize extensively throughout the tea mass. Machine-pressed bricks, being overly compacted, often show inferior golden flower development concentrated only in certain areas. Third, the gentler hand-pressing process preserves more of the tender leaf structure and natural oils, contributing to a smoother, more nuanced flavor profile. Finally, hand-pressing represents centuries of Jingyang craftsmanship and cultural heritage—each brick carries the skill and attention of trained artisans rather than automated uniformity. For collectors and serious tea enthusiasts, hand-pressed Fu Brick offers superior aging potential, richer golden flower presence, and authentic traditional character.

Q4: How should I store this Fu Brick Tea, and will it continue to improve with age?

Fu Brick Tea is a living, post-fermented tea that can continue developing complexity over many years when stored properly. The golden flowers remain biologically active, and the tea's flavor profile will continue evolving toward greater mellowness and depth. For optimal storage, keep the brick in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, strong odors, and excessive humidity. Ideal conditions are 20-30 degrees Celsius with moderate humidity around 50-70 percent. Unlike Pu-erh tea, Fu Brick does not require extremely humid environments—the established golden flower colonies prefer stable, moderate conditions. Store the brick in breathable packaging such as the original paper wrapper or a cotton cloth bag; avoid airtight containers that prevent necessary air exchange. Keep away from kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with cooking odors, perfumes, or chemicals. With proper storage, this 2018/2019 brick will continue improving for another 10-20 years, developing increasingly smooth, sweet, and complex characteristics. Many collectors specifically seek well-stored aged Fu Brick for its exceptional depth and mellow sweetness.

Le thé Fu Brick Tea offre un profil de saveur riche et unique qui peut être apprécié en utilisant diverses techniques d'infusion. Voici un guide étape par étape pour quatre méthodes populaires :

1.Style Gongfu (Brassage traditionnel chinois)

• Outils nécessaires:Théière Gaiwan ou Yixing, pichet à thé et petites tasses à thé.
• Mesures:
• Conseil:Le thé Fu Brick peut être infusé jusqu'à 8 à 10 fois.

2.Style occidental

• Outils nécessaires:Théière ou grande tasse avec infuseur.
• Mesures:
• Conseil: Ajustez la force du thé en variant le temps d'infusion ou la quantité de thé.

3.Style grand-père (brassage décontracté)

• Outils nécessaires:Grande tasse.
• Mesures:
• Conseil:Cette méthode crée une saveur progressivement plus riche à mesure que le thé infuse.

4.Méthode du flacon thermique (pour une infusion lente)

• Outils nécessaires:Fiole thermique.
• Mesures:
• Conseil:Cette méthode produit une bière robuste et corsée.

Storage Recommendations

Ideal Conditions:

• Temperature: 20-30 degrees Celsius (68-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Humidity: 50-70% relative humidity; avoid excessively dry or damp environments
• Light: Store away from direct sunlight; a dark cupboard or shelf is ideal
• Ventilation: Ensure moderate air circulation; avoid completely airtight containers
• Odor Isolation: Keep away from strong-smelling items including spices, coffee, perfumes, cleaning products, and cooking areas

Packaging:

Keep the tea in its original paper wrapping or transfer to a breathable cotton bag or unglazed ceramic jar. Avoid plastic bags or vacuum sealing, which prevent the necessary air exchange for continued golden flower vitality and tea maturation.

Long-Term Aging:

When stored properly, this Fu Brick Tea will continue improving for decades. Check periodically—healthy golden flowers should appear golden-yellow and granular; any unusual colors, sliminess, or off-odors indicate storage problems. Well-maintained bricks develop increasingly smooth, complex, and sweet characteristics over time, making them prized by collectors.