YXT 500g 伝統的な涇陽茯磚茶（金花入り）

• 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.

Fu Brick Tea is remarkably versatile and forgiving. Below are four recommended brewing methods to suit different preferences and occasions.

Method 1: Gongfu Style (功夫茶泡法) — Recommended for Full Flavor Exploration

Equipment: Gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot (100-150ml), tea tray, fair cup (pitcher), tasting cups

Tea Amount: 5-7 grams (approximately a thumb-sized piece)

Water: Filtered or spring water, heated to full boiling (100 degrees Celsius / 212 degrees Fahrenheit)

Steps:

1. Use a tea pick or knife to carefully pry off your desired amount from the brick, working along the natural layers to preserve leaf integrity.
2. Preheat your gaiwan or teapot and cups by rinsing with hot water; discard the rinse water.
3. Place the tea into the preheated vessel.
4. Pour boiling water over the leaves, filling the vessel completely.
5. Perform a quick rinse steep of 5-10 seconds; discard this liquid to awaken the leaves and rinse away any fine particles.
6. For the first drinkable infusion, steep for 10-15 seconds, then pour into the fair cup and distribute to tasting cups.
7. Gradually increase steeping time by 5-10 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
8. This tea can easily provide 10-15 quality infusions, sometimes more.

Tips: Allow the lid to rest slightly ajar between infusions to prevent over-steeping from residual heat. Observe how the flavor evolves—early steeps highlight the golden flower sweetness, while later steeps reveal deeper, more grain-like notes.

Method 2: Boiling Method (煮茶法) — Best for Maximum Extraction & Sharing

Equipment: Heat-resistant glass pot, ceramic pot, or stainless steel kettle (500ml-1L capacity)

Tea Amount: 5-8 grams for 500ml water; scale proportionally for larger volumes

Water: Filtered or spring water

Steps:

1. Break off your desired tea amount and place in the pot.
2. Add room temperature or cold filtered water.
3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
5. Pour through a strainer into cups or a serving pitcher.
6. The same leaves can be boiled 2-3 more times; increase simmering time for subsequent boils.

Tips: Boiling extracts the deepest, richest flavors and is ideal for colder weather or serving multiple guests. The liquor will be darker and more full-bodied than gongfu brewing. Adding slightly more tea creates a robust brew perfect with meals.

Method 3: Grandpa Style / Thermos Steeping (闷泡法) — Convenient for Work or Travel

Equipment: Thermos flask, insulated tumbler, or large lidded mug (300-500ml)

Tea Amount: 3-5 grams

Water: Freshly boiled water (100 degrees Celsius / 212 degrees Fahrenheit)

Steps:

1. Place tea pieces at the bottom of your thermos or tumbler.
2. Optionally, perform a quick rinse by adding a small amount of hot water, swirling, and discarding.
3. Fill with freshly boiled water and close the lid.
4. Allow to steep for 20-30 minutes for first drinking; the tea will continue releasing flavor over several hours.
5. Refill with hot water throughout the day as you drink.

Tips: This method produces a milder, consistently smooth brew ideal for sipping over extended periods. Fu Brick Tea's forgiving nature means it will not turn bitter even with prolonged steeping—perfect for office or travel use.

Method 4: Western Style (马克杯或法压壶) — Simple & Accessible

Equipment: Large mug (350-450ml) or French press

Tea Amount: 3-5 grams

Water: Boiling water (100 degrees Celsius / 212 degrees Fahrenheit)

Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes

Steps for Mug:

1. Place tea in your mug.
2. Pour boiling water directly over the tea.
3. Cover with a small plate or lid to retain heat.
4. Steep for 3-5 minutes.
5. Drink directly (the leaves will settle at the bottom) or strain into another cup.
6. Refill for 2-3 additional steeps, extending time slightly each round.

Steps for French Press:

1. Place tea at the bottom of the French press.
2. Pour boiling water and stir gently.
3. Place the lid on without pressing the plunger.
4. Steep for 3-5 minutes.
5. Slowly press the plunger and pour.

Tips: Western brewing offers a straightforward approach for those new to dark tea. The larger water volume and longer steep time produce a balanced, approachable cup. Increase tea quantity for a stronger brew.

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.