YXT 500g 전통 정양 복벽돌차(황금꽃차)

• 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.

복전차(Fu Brick Tea)는 활용도가 매우 높고 우리기가 쉽습니다. 다양한 취향과 상황에 맞는 네 가지 권장 추출 방법을 아래에 소개합니다.

방법 1: 공부차 방식 (功夫茶泡法) — 풍부한 맛 탐색에 권장

장비: 개완 또는 자사호(100-150ml), 차판, 공도배(숙우), 찻잔

찻잎 양: 5-7g (대략 엄지손가락 크기 한 조각)

물: 정수 또는 생수, 팔팔 끓인 물(섭씨 100도 / 화씨 212도)

과정:

1. 차 송곳이나 칼을 사용하여 벽돌 형태의 차에서 원하는 양을 조심스럽게 떼어냅니다. 찻잎의 형태를 유지하기 위해 자연스러운 층을 따라 떼어내세요.
2. 뜨거운 물로 개완이나 다관 및 찻잔을 헹구어 예열한 다음, 그 물은 버립니다.
3. 예열된 용기에 찻잎을 넣습니다.
4. 찻잎 위에 끓는 물을 부어 용기를 가득 채웁니다.
5. 5-10초 동안 빠르게 세차(헹구기)를 합니다. 이 물은 버려서 찻잎을 깨우고 미세한 가루를 씻어냅니다.
6. 첫 번째로 마실 차는 10-15초간 우린 뒤 공도배에 따라 찻잔에 나누어 담습니다.
7. 이후 우릴 때마다 추출 시간을 5-10초씩 점진적으로 늘립니다.
8. 이 차는 10-15회 이상 충분히 우려낼 수 있습니다.

팁: 우려내는 사이에는 뚜껑을 살짝 열어두어 잔열로 인해 너무 많이 우러나는 것을 방지하세요. 맛의 변화를 관찰해 보세요. 초반에는 금화(Golden flower) 특유의 단맛이 두드러지며, 후반부로 갈수록 더 깊고 곡물 같은 풍미가 나타납니다.

방법 2: 끓이는 방식 (煮茶法) — 최대 추출 및 나눔에 최적

장비: 내열 유리 포트, 세라믹 포트 또는 스테인리스 주전자(500ml-1L 용량)

찻잎 양: 물 500ml당 5-8g; 용량이 커질수록 비례하여 늘립니다.

물: 정수 또는 생수

과정:

1. 원하는 양의 찻잎을 떼어 포트에 넣습니다.
2. 실온의 물 또는 차가운 정수를 붓습니다.
3. 중불에서 서서히 끓입니다.
4. 물이 끓기 시작하면 약불로 줄이고 3-5분간 더 끓입니다.
5. 거름망을 통해 잔이나 서빙 피처에 따릅니다.
6. 같은 찻잎을 2-3회 더 끓일 수 있으며, 다음번에는 끓이는 시간을 더 늘리세요.

팁: 끓이는 방식은 가장 깊고 풍부한 맛을 추출하며, 추운 날씨나 여러 손님에게 대접할 때 이상적입니다. 찻물은 공부차 방식보다 더 어둡고 바디감이 진해집니다. 찻잎을 약간 더 넣으면 식사와 곁들이기 좋은 진한 차가 됩니다.

방법 3: 그랜파 스타일 / 보온병 우림 (闷泡法) — 업무 중이나 여행 시 편리함

장비: 보온병, 단열 텀블러 또는 뚜껑이 있는 큰 머그컵(300-500ml)

찻잎 양: 3-5g

물: 갓 끓인 물(섭씨 100도 / 화씨 212도)

과정:

1. 보온병이나 텀블러 바닥에 찻잎 조각을 넣습니다.
2. 선택 사항으로, 뜨거운 물을 소량 부어 흔든 뒤 버리는 방식으로 빠르게 세차를 합니다.
3. 갓 끓인 물을 채우고 뚜껑을 닫습니다.
4. 첫 음용을 위해 20-30분간 우려냅니다. 차의 맛은 몇 시간 동안 계속해서 우러나옵니다.
5. 마시는 동안 하루 종일 뜨거운 물을 리필합니다.

팁: 이 방법은 장시간 홀짝이며 마시기 좋은 부드럽고 일정한 맛을 냅니다. 복전차는 잘 우러나는 특성 덕분에 오래 우려도 쓰지 않아 사무실이나 여행용으로 완벽합니다.

방법 4: 서구식 (머그컵 또는 프렌치 프레스) — 간단하고 접근하기 쉬움

장비: 큰 머그컵(350-450ml) 또는 프렌치 프레스

찻잎 양: 3-5g

물: 끓는 물(섭씨 100도 / 화씨 212도)

추출 시간: 3-5분

머그컵 사용 시 과정:

1. 머그컵에 찻잎을 넣습니다.
2. 찻잎 위에 직접 끓는 물을 붓습니다.
3. 열이 유지되도록 작은 접시나 뚜껑으로 덮습니다.
4. 3-5분간 우립니다.
5. 직접 마시거나(찻잎은 바닥에 가라앉습니다) 다른 잔에 걸러서 마십니다.
6. 매회 시간을 조금씩 늘려가며 2-3회 더 우려 마십니다.

프렌치 프레스 사용 시 과정:

1. 프렌치 프레스 바닥에 찻잎을 넣습니다.
2. 끓는 물을 붓고 부드럽게 저어줍니다.
3. 플런저를 누르지 않은 상태로 뚜껑을 덮습니다.
4. 3-5분간 우립니다.
5. 플런저를 천천히 누른 후 따릅니다.

팁: 서구식 추출은 흑차를 처음 접하는 분들에게 간단한 접근 방식을 제공합니다. 더 많은 양의 물과 긴 추출 시간은 균형 잡히고 마시기 편한 차를 만들어냅니다. 더 진하게 마시려면 찻잎 양을 늘리세요.

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.