2022 Xia Guan "Jia Tuo" Raw Sheng Puerh

Dry Leaf Appearance & Aroma

The compressed tuo reveals tightly woven, elongated leaf threads generously studded with silvery-white tips (白毫 / bái háo). Upon breaking the tuo, expect an inviting fragrance of raw honey, fresh hay, and subtle floral undertones—clean and vibrant, signaling well-preserved leaf integrity.

Wet Leaf Appearance & Aroma

After rinsing, the leaves unfurl to display supple, olive-green surfaces with visible buds. The wet aroma intensifies into warm honeycomb, sun-dried apricot, and a whisper of fresh-cut grass—sweet, bright, and alive.

Liquor Color

A luminous, transparent golden-yellow with remarkable clarity—indicative of high-grade leaf material and proper processing. The soup is clean with no sediment or cloudiness.

Taste & Mouthfeel

The first sip reveals a pronounced honey-like sweetness that coats the tongue, followed by soft vegetal notes reminiscent of blanched greens and young bamboo. Mid-palate, a gentle astringency emerges to provide structure, but it quickly dissolves into a wave of returning sweetness (回甘 / huí gān). The overall impression is remarkably smooth, balanced, and inviting—especially impressive for a young Sheng.

Empty Cup Aroma (杯底香 / Bēi Dǐ Xiāng)

Allow the cup to cool after sipping. Lift and inhale: layers of warm honey, toasted grain, and delicate wildflower linger on the porcelain—a testament to the tea's aromatic depth and quality.

Aftertaste & Finish (尾韵 / Wěi Yùn)

The finish is long and rewarding. Sweetness continues to build in the throat for several minutes, accompanied by a cooling, almost mint-like sensation at the back of the palate. Clean and refreshing, with no bitterness or unpleasant residue.

Body Sensation (茶气 / Chá Qì)

This Jia Tuo delivers a gentle yet perceptible tea energy. Expect a mild warming sensation in the chest and upper body, relaxed shoulders, and a subtle clarity of mind. For a young Sheng, the Qi is approachable rather than overwhelming—ideal for daily sessions without overstimulation.

Durability

Highly durable across 10–15 infusions. The flavor profile evolves gracefully: early steeps emphasize sweetness and florals, mid-session brings out thicker body and gentle astringency, and later steeps offer a soft, grain-like sweetness that trails into calm simplicity.

Gongfu Style (Recommended)

What You Need:

• Gaiwan (盖碗) or Yixing clay teapot, 100–150ml capacity
• Digital thermometer or temperature-controlled kettle
• Tea scale
• Fair cup (公道杯 / gōng dào bēi) and tasting cups

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure Your Leaf:
   Use approximately 5 grams of tea per 100ml of water. For a 150ml gaiwan, weigh out 7–8 grams.
2. Heat Your Water:
   Bring fresh, filtered water to 85–90°C (185–194°F). Slightly cooler water tames any youthful astringency; as the tea ages, you may increase toward boiling.
3. Preheat Your Vessel:
   Pour hot water into your gaiwan and cups, swirl, and discard. This stabilizes brewing temperature.
4. Rinse the Leaves (醒茶 / Xǐng Chá): Add tea to the preheated gaiwan. This awakens the compressed leaves and removes surface dust.
5. First Infusion:
   Pour water gently down the side of the gaiwan. Steep for 15–20 seconds, then decant fully into your fair cup.
6. Subsequent Infusions:
   Gradually increase steep time by 5–10 seconds per round. This tea is highly durable—expect 10–15 flavorful infusions with proper technique.
7. Adjust to Taste: Prefer more sweetness? Want more body and astringency?

Western Style (Convenient Alternative)

• Ratio: 3–4 grams per 250ml (8 oz) of water
• Temperature: 85–90°C (185–194°F)
• Steep Time: 2–3 minutes for first infusion; add 30–60 seconds for subsequent brews
• Infusions: 3–5 flavorful cups

Note: Gongfu brewing extracts more nuance and allows you to experience the tea's evolution across many steeps. Western style is convenient but sacrifices some complexity.

Grandpa Style (Casual Enjoyment)

• Add 2–3 grams of tea directly to a tall glass or mug
• Pour 85–90°C water and let leaves settle
• Sip as desired; refill with hot water throughout the day
• Perfect for office or travel when full brewing gear isn't available