Appearance & Aroma (Dry Leaf)
The dragon pearls present a dark, glossy appearance with deep blackish-brown tones that testify to their 18 years of transformation. The surface is uniformly smooth and round—evidence of skilled hand-rolling. The dry aroma immediately reveals the tea's aged character: prominent Chen Xiang (陈香, aged fragrance) mingles with distinctive smoky notes characteristic of Xiaguan processing. They are famous for having a more gentle flavor with a slightly smoky aftertaste. Secondary notes of dried longan, aged wood, and subtle camphor emerge as the pearls warm in your hands.
Wet Leaf
Upon infusion, the pearls slowly unfurl to reveal surprisingly supple, well-preserved leaves. Despite 18 years of aging, the leaf material maintains remarkable integrity—thick, fleshy leaves with visible elasticity. The wet leaf aroma deepens considerably, releasing waves of aged sweetness, smoky depth, and distinctive mountain character. The "wild" origin reveals itself in the leaves' irregular shapes and robust structure.
Liquor Color
The tea soup presents a stunning bright golden-amber hue—remarkably clear and luminous. This brilliant transparency, achieved only through proper dry storage, indicates clean aging without excessive humidity interference. Appearance: The tea liquor is clear and bright, ranging from golden yellow when young to deep reddish-brown with age. As infusions progress, the color gradually deepens toward rich amber while maintaining its crystalline clarity.
Mouthfeel
- Texture: Full-bodied and viscous with an oily, coating quality that lingers on the palate
- Structure: Smooth and rounded—the 18 years of aging have transformed any youthful astringency into silky depth
- Hui Gan (回甘, Returning Sweetness): Pronounced and long-lasting; a wave of sweetness rises from the throat 10-15 seconds after each sip and persists for several minutes
- Sheng Jin (生津, Salivation): Active and sustained, creating a fresh, cleansing sensation throughout the mouth
Core Flavor Notes
Primary: Smoky sweetness (Xiaguan signature), aged wood, dried longan
Secondary: Dark honey, camphor, aged leather, forest floor
Tertiary: Subtle dried fruit (prune, fig), mineral undertones, hint of tobacco leaf
The distinctive "Yan Yun" (烟韵, smoky resonance) is immediately recognizable as Xiaguan's signature, but here it has mellowed and integrated beautifully with the wild ancient tree character. Its young Puerh typically carries floral and bitter notes, while smoky and woody flavors develop as the tea matures. Aged Puerh displays complexity and refinement comparable to aged whisky or wine, offering flavors that range from dried fruit and spice to sweet honey and wild mushrooms.
Empty Cup & Finish
The empty cup holds remarkable aromatic persistence—sweet, honeyed notes with smoky undertones continue to emanate for 10+ minutes after the cup is emptied. The finish is extraordinarily long: smoky-sweet flavors linger, evolving slowly from the initial smoky impression to a deep, resonant sweetness that seems to emerge from the throat itself.
Body Sensation / Chaqi (茶气)
This tea delivers a powerful yet refined chaqi experience. Within minutes of the first infusion, expect:
- Warming Sensation: A gentle heat radiates from the chest outward
- Physical Relaxation: Shoulders and jaw naturally release tension
- Mental State: Alert yet calm—the mind becomes focused without restlessness
- Light Perspiration: A subtle warmth may rise to the forehead and upper back
Chaqi Intensity: 4/5 — Substantial and sustained without being overwhelming; appropriate for experienced drinkers seeking meditative tea sessions