Jing Wei Fu Tea Gift From Qin Mountain 2023 Spring Tea

Dry Tea Appearance & Aroma:
The tightly compressed brick reveals dark brown-black leaves interspersed with brilliant golden-yellow flowers—the hallmark Eurotium cristatum microbes that shimmer like tiny jewels throughout the brick. The dry aroma is pleasantly earthy with hints of dried mushroom, sweet grain, and a subtle floral sweetness from the golden flower cultures. The brick has a uniform, neat compression with clean edges.

Wet Leaf Appearance & Aroma:
After steeping, the leaves unfurl into mature, well-processed dark tea with intact structure. The wet leaf aroma intensifies into a warm, inviting bouquet of toasted grains, sweet hay, light woodiness, and a distinct honeyed note. The golden flowers become more visible and release their characteristic pleasant fungal sweetness—clean and appealing, never musty.

Liquor Color:
The tea brews into a bright, transparent reddish-amber to deep chestnut color with excellent clarity. No cloudiness or sediment—a clear sign of clean processing and proper fermentation. The liquor has a beautiful luminous quality when held to light.

Taste & Mouthfeel: Immediately smooth and welcoming on the palate with zero astringency or bitterness. Dominant flavors include sweet grain, caramel, light cocoa, earthy mushroom, and a subtle herbal complexity. The trademark sweetness from golden flowers unfolds progressively—think honey, dates, and toasted barley. Medium body with surprising depth for such a mellow tea.

Empty Cup Fragrance:
After finishing the tea, the cup releases a lingering sweet grain aroma mixed with dried fruit and a delicate floral note—inviting you to brew the next round.

Aftertaste (Hui Gan 回甘):
The finish is long and sweet with a pleasant cooling sensation in the throat. Natural sweetness builds on the tongue minutes after swallowing, accompanied by subtle salivation. No drying effect—just pure, clean refreshment.

Body Sensation (Cha Qi 茶气): Gentle warming effect through the chest and stomach, creating a comforting, soothing sensation.

Brewing Endurance:
Highly durable with 8-12+ infusions maintaining flavor integrity. Later steeps become sweeter and lighter while retaining that characteristic golden flower smoothness.

Brewing Methods

Method 1: Gongfu Style (Traditional Multiple Infusions)

Recommended for experiencing the tea's full complexity and multiple flavor layers

• Tea-to-Water Ratio: 6-8g of tea per 100-150ml vessel (approximately 1 small chunk broken from the brick)
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F) – boiling or just-off-boiling
• Vessel: Yixing clay teapot, gaiwan, or porcelain teapot
• Instructions:Break off a portion of the brick using a tea needle or knife—aim for 6-8gRinse: Pour hot water over leaves, immediately discard (awakens the tea and washes away any loose particles)First infusion: 10-15 seconds, pour out completelySubsequent infusions: Add 5-10 seconds to each progressive steepExpect 8-12+ delicious infusions—later steeps become sweeter and lighter
• Pro Tip: The golden flowers become more visible and aromatic in later steeps

Method 2: Boiling/Simmering (煮茶法 Zhu Cha Fa)

Traditional method for dark tea—brings out deeper sweetness and full-bodied richness

• Tea Amount: 8-10g per 500-800ml water
• Instructions:Break tea into small chunksAdd tea to cold or room-temperature water in a glass or ceramic kettleBring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low simmer for 5-10 minutesPour and enjoy; you can add more hot water and simmer again 2-3 more times
• Best For: Cold weather, gathering with friends, extracting maximum sweetness and body

Method 3: Grandpa Style / Mug Brewing (闷泡法 Men Pao Fa)

Simple, everyday method for office or casual drinking

• Tea Amount: 3-5g per 300-500ml mug or tumbler
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
• Instructions:Place tea pieces in mug or infuser basketFill with hot water and let steep 3-5 minutesStrain or remove infuser (or drink around the leaves if using a tumbler)Refill with hot water 3-5 times throughout the day—tea becomes sweeter with each addition
• Note: Fu Tea's mellow nature means you can even leave leaves in without excessive bitterness

Method 4: Western Style / French Press

Convenient for larger servings and Western tea drinkers

• Tea Amount: 5-6g per 400-500ml French press or Western teapot
• Steep Time: 4-6 minutes for first infusion
• Instructions:Add broken tea pieces to French pressPour hot water, steep 4-6 minutesPress plunger and serveCan re-steep 2-3 times by adding 1-2 minutes per steep
• Perfect For: Morning tea routine, serving multiple people at once

Optimal Conditions:

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
• Temperature: Room temperature (18-25°C / 64-77°F) is ideal; avoid extreme heat or cold
• Humidity: Moderate humidity (50-70%); avoid overly damp or completely dry environments
• Container: Keep in original packaging or transfer to breathable storage (ceramic jar, bamboo box, or paper-wrapped); avoid completely airtight plastic containers long-term as Fu Tea benefits from slight air circulation
• Away From: Strong odors (spices, perfumes, cleaning products) as tea absorbs surrounding scents
• Positioning: Store horizontally or upright; avoid crushing or stacking heavy items on top

Aging Potential:

This 2023 spring Fu Tea is ready to drink immediately but can be aged for further complexity.

Long-Term Storage Tips:

• Check occasionally for any unusual moisture or odors
• In very humid climates, consider occasional brief ventilation to prevent excess moisture buildup
• In very dry climates, the tea can be stored indefinitely without concern
• Unlike some aged teas, Fu Brick Tea is relatively forgiving and low-maintenance

Travel & Gifting:

The individual 200g boxes are perfectly portioned for gifting or taking portions with you while keeping the rest properly stored. Each box is sealed to maintain freshness until opened.