2019年ヴィンテージイエローボックス芙蓉磚茶 - 秦嶺山脈産GEO認証ダークティー（800g）

• Tea Type: Fu Brick Tea (Fu Zhuan Cha / 茯砖茶) / Chinese Dark Tea (Hei Cha / 黑茶) / Post-Fermented Tea
• Compression Year: 2019
• Harvest Season: Spring 2019 (Chun Cha / 春茶)
• Raw Material Grade: Grade-1 Dark Tea Leaves (Yi Ji Hei Mao Cha / 一级黑毛茶) — significantly higher quality than the coarse leaves typically used in standard Fu Brick production
• Origin of Raw Leaves: High-altitude tea gardens in the Qinling-Qinba Mountain region, Southern Shaanxi Province (Hanzhong and Ankang areas); exclusively from YXT's own contracted tea bases
• Terroir Character: Clean, mineral-tinged sweetness; lighter and crisper than Anhua-style Fu Tea, with less earthy weight and more high-altitude brightness.
• Producer: Jingyang Manzi Fu Tea Co., Ltd. — trading as YXT (Yongxingtai / 永兴泰); established 2012 in Jingyang, the ancestral birthplace of Fu Brick Tea; recognized among Xianyang's Top Ten Fu Tea Brands (2020); GI-certified since 2015.
• Production Facility: Over 5,000 square meters; equipped with both mechanized and traditional hand-tamping (Shou Zhuan / 手砖) production lines; annual capacity exceeding 1,000 tonnes of premium Fu Brick Tea
• Packaging Format: 800g traditional brick; presented in signature yellow gift box; suitable for daily brewing, long-term aging, or gifting
• Golden Flower Status: Abundant, plump Eurotium cristatum (Jin Hua / 金花) colonies visible throughout the brick interior, indicating successful flowering and optimal probiotic activity
• Maturation Stage: Six years aged; golden flowers remain active; aged aroma (Chen Xiang / 陈香) well-developed; ready to drink now with continued aging potential
• Caffeine Level: Lower than green or black tea due to post-fermentation process; suitable for afternoon and evening drinking

Dry Leaf Appearance & Aroma

The brick surface displays tightly compressed, dark brown leaves interspersed with brilliant golden-yellow speckles—the signature Eurotium cristatum colonies. Breaking open the brick reveals even more abundant golden flowers distributed throughout, with plump, rounded formations indicating quality fermentation. The dry aroma presents a distinctive fungal-floral bouquet (Jun Hua Xiang / 菌花香) layered with hints of dried dates, toasted grain, and subtle aged wood notes.

Wet Leaf Appearance & Aroma

After steeping, the leaves unfurl to reveal their Grade-1 quality—more refined and less coarse than typical Fu Brick material. The wet aroma intensifies with sweet fungal notes reminiscent of quality dried porcini mushrooms, alongside warm hints of malted barley and caramelized jujube. A clean, pleasant fragrance with absolutely no musty, sour, or off-putting odors.

Liquor Color

Amber to orange-red with exceptional clarity and brightness. The liquor glows with a warm, inviting transparency that deepens slightly with extended steeping—like liquid amber honey held to afternoon light.

Taste Profile

The first sip delivers a smooth, velvety mouthfeel with zero astringency or bitterness. The remarkable fungus works like an alchemist inside the tea leaves. It changes the tea's basic character by making it less bitter and more sweet. Primary flavor notes include:

• Sweet: Natural jujube (Chinese red date) sweetness, caramelized honey, dried longan fruit
• Savory: Subtle umami depth, toasted whole grain, light malty character
• Fungal-Floral: Clean mushroom notes (think quality porcini or chanterelle, not earthy forest floor), delicate floral-fungal sweetness unique to Golden Flower tea
• Aged: Refined aged wood character (Chen Xiang / 陈香), subtle hints reminiscent of antique furniture or sandalwood

The texture is remarkably thick and coating, with a silky smoothness that glides across the palate—a direct result of the premium Grade-1 leaves.

Empty Cup Aroma (Gua Bei Xiang / 挂杯香)

The emptied cup retains a lingering sweet fragrance of dried jujube and warm honey, with soft fungal-floral undertones that persist for several minutes—a hallmark of quality Fu Brick Tea.

Aftertaste & Returning Sweetness (Hui Gan / 回甘)

A pleasant, long-lasting returning sweetness develops in the throat and across the tongue after swallowing. The aftertaste is clean, slightly cooling, and remarkably persistent—encouraging sip after sip.

Body Sensation (Cha Qi / 茶气)

A gentle warming sensation radiates from the core, promoting relaxed alertness without jitteriness. Fu Brick Tea supports digestive health by improving gut flora and reducing bloating after meals. Many drinkers report a comfortable, settled feeling in the stomach—making this an excellent choice after rich meals.

Brewing Endurance

Exceptionally durable; quality remains consistent through 10-15+ infusions using Gongfu method, or 3-5 long steepings when simmered or thermos-steeped. The flavor evolves gracefully, offering sweet, clean notes even in later brews.

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

This Fu Brick Tea delivers a uniquely smooth, sweet profile that differs significantly from other dark teas. Imagine the natural sweetness of dried jujube dates and honey, layered with savory umami depth similar to light miso or quality aged cheese. The signature Golden Flowers contribute a distinctive fungal-floral note—not earthy or musty, but clean and pleasant, reminiscent of quality dried porcini mushrooms with subtle floral undertones. Fu Brick Tea develops complex aromas like malt, hay, and floral mushroom notes. Six years of aging have unified these flavors into a harmonious, mellow cup with a silky texture that coats the palate beautifully. There is absolutely no bitterness, astringency, or off-putting flavors—just clean, sweet, deeply satisfying dark tea.

Q2: Why does this tea use Grade-1 leaves, and how does that affect quality?

Most Fu Brick Tea on the market is produced with Grade-3 or lower raw materials—coarse leaves and stems that are standard for this category. This Yellow Box edition breaks that convention by using Grade-1 dark tea leaves (Yi Ji Hei Mao Cha / 一级黑毛茶), which feature younger, more tender leaves with higher concentrations of beneficial compounds. The practical difference is immediately noticeable: a smoother, cleaner mouthfeel; a more refined sweetness without rough edges; and better expression of the tea's natural character rather than relying solely on fermentation to mask inferior material. For drinkers who appreciate nuance and refinement in their dark tea, the Grade-1 foundation delivers an elevated experience that justifies the more careful production approach.

Q3: How does this Yellow Box compare to the Red Box version?

Both the Yellow Box and Red Box editions come from YXT's Jingyang facility and share the same exceptional craftsmanship and GEO certification. The key difference lies in the raw material grade: this Yellow Box uses Grade-1 leaves, while the Red Box uses Special-Grade (Te Ji / 特级) leaves—the highest classification available. Special-Grade indicates even younger, more select buds and leaves from the top portion of the harvest. In practice, the Red Box offers marginally greater refinement, slightly more delicate sweetness, and an even silkier texture. Both are exceptional choices; the Yellow Box delivers outstanding quality at a more accessible price point, while the Red Box represents the absolute pinnacle of Fu Brick Tea craftsmanship for collectors and connoisseurs seeking the ultimate expression.

Q4: What are the Golden Flowers (Jin Hua), and are they safe?

Eurotium cristatum (E. cristatum), commonly known as "golden flower," is the dominant strain in the microbial fermentation process of Fu brick tea. These brilliant golden-yellow speckles are not mold or contamination—they are a beneficial probiotic fungus deliberately cultivated during a specialized fermentation stage called Fa Hua (发花 / "flowering"). E. cristatum has favorable biological characteristics, including enzyme production, antimicrobial properties, immune regulation, antitumor properties, fat reduction capabilities, and weight loss benefits. The fungus transforms the tea's flavor by reducing bitterness and increasing sweetness while creating unique health-supporting compounds. It's safe for daily drinking, even for people with gluten sensitivity—YXT's modern production uses natural flowering without wheat flour. The density and brightness of Golden Flowers is actually a key quality indicator: more abundant, bright golden colonies indicate superior fermentation and higher tea quality.

Gongfu Method (Gong Fu Cha / 工夫茶) — Recommended for Flavor Exploration

1. Tea Amount: 7-8 grams per 100-150ml vessel (gaiwan or Yixing teapot)
2. Water Temperature: Fully boiling water, 100C / 212F
3. Rinse: Pour boiling water over the leaves, discard immediately — this awakens the tea and removes any surface dust
4. First Infusion: 10-15 seconds
5. Subsequent Infusions: Add 5-10 seconds to each round; this tea easily yields 10-15+ quality infusions
6. Tips: Break the brick gently using a tea pick or knife; include some golden flowers in each session for full flavor expression

Simmering Method (Zhu Cha Fa / 煮茶法) — Highly Recommended

1. Tea Amount: 8-10 grams per 500-800ml water
2. Method: Place tea in a heat-safe glass kettle, ceramic pot, or stainless steel vessel
3. Rinse: Quick rinse with hot water first, then discard
4. Simmer: Add fresh water and bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes
5. Serve: Strain and enjoy; add more water and re-simmer 2-3 times
6. Why This Works: Simmering extracts the deepest flavors and most beneficial compounds from Fu Brick Tea — many experienced drinkers consider this the optimal method for maximum enjoyment

Thermos Steeping Method (Men Pao / 闷泡) — Highly Recommended

1. Tea Amount: 5-8 grams per 500ml thermos
2. Method: Rinse tea briefly, then place in a preheated vacuum thermos
3. Water: Fill with boiling water
4. Steep Time: Seal and steep for 1-2 hours (or longer for deeper extraction)
5. Enjoy: Pour and enjoy throughout the day; refill with hot water 2-3 times
6. Why This Works: Extended steeping in a thermos maximizes the release of the tea's inner substances, producing an exceptionally smooth, sweet, and full-bodied liquor — perfect for busy days or office drinking

Western Style (Mug or French Press)

1. Tea Amount: 3-5 grams per 250-350ml mug or French press
2. Water Temperature: Boiling water, 100C / 212F
3. Rinse: Optional quick rinse
4. Steep Time: 3-5 minutes for first infusion; extend time for subsequent brews
5. Infusions: Good for 2-4 flavorful steepings
6. Tips: French press works well — plunge slowly and pour completely to prevent over-steeping

Note: Cold brewing is not recommended for Fu Brick Tea, as it does not adequately extract the beneficial compounds or develop the tea's characteristic flavor profile.

Storage Recommendations

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, strong odors, and excessive humidity
• Container: Keep in the original packaging or transfer to a breathable paper bag or unsealed ceramic jar — Store in a dry and dark place in the original package or in an air tight container to retain the aroma
• Ventilation: Unlike some teas, Fu Brick benefits from some air circulation; avoid completely airtight plastic containers
• Aging Potential: This tea will continue to develop and improve over time when stored properly; the golden flowers may become less visible as they integrate, but the probiotic compounds and mellowed flavors remain
• Avoid: Refrigeration, high humidity, proximity to spices or aromatic foods, direct sunlight