On Taoism (Jingtai Hao): Master-Crafted Jingyang Golden Flower Fu Brick (500g)

• Tea Type: Fu Brick Tea (Fuzhuan Cha) / Dark Tea (Hei Cha) / Golden Flower Tea
• Pressed Year: 2018
• Raw Material: Yunnan black tea (hei mao cha) – blended from Lincang & Fengqing regions for enhanced richness
• Processing Location: Jingyang, Shaanxi Province – the birthplace of Fu Brick Tea
• Storage: Xi'an dry warehouse (northern China climate); clean, natural aging; no off-flavors or dampness
• Tea Factory: On Taoism (几于道) Tea Factory – Award-winning specialist in Fu Brick production (2025 World Tea Champion: Superior Awards for Best Leaf Profile & Best Cup Character)
• Net Weight: 500g brick
• Brick Dimensions: Approx. 17cm × 12cm × 4.5cm (hand-pressed, slight variations possible)
• Pressing Method: Hand-pressed (medium density) – breakable by hand, no tools required
• Golden Flower Density: Abundant and evenly distributed throughout the interior
• Packaging: Traditional double-layer kraft paper (inner layer = fermentation wrap); hemp-rope bound with wax seal; allows tea to breathe and age continuously
• Maturity Stage: Active golden flower culture; suitable for immediate enjoyment and long-term aging
• Caffeine Level: Moderate (lower than raw Pu-erh; smooth energy)
• Best For: Daily drinking, digestive wellness, cold-weather comfort, tea collectors, beginners to dark tea

Aroma: Fresh, bright, and uplifting with notes of dried jujube, caramel, roasted chestnuts, and subtle cocoa; honeyed sweetness emerges as it cools.

Taste Profile: Mellow, smooth, and naturally sweet with zero bitterness or astringency; creamy body with layers of brown sugar, toasted barley, dried dates, woody spice, and dark chocolate.

Core Flavor Notes: Jujube sweetness · Caramelized sugar · Roasted nuts · Antique wood · Cocoa nibs · Honeyed grain · Subtle earthiness (clean, never musty).

Finish (Aftertaste): Long, sweet, and refreshing; gentle cooling sensation in the throat; lingering notes of red date and floral honey; saliva-stimulating (huigan).

Liquor Color: Crystal-clear amber-gold to deep red-orange; bright and translucent (never cloudy).

Body Sensation: Warming yet gentle; soothes the stomach; promotes relaxation without drowsiness; subtle cha qi spreads warmth through the chest and back.

Infusions: Extremely durable – 10–15+ infusions with stable flavor; later steeps reveal honeyed grain and soft woodiness.

Aging Potential: Excellent for long-term aging – Golden flowers continue to metabolize tannins, deepening smoothness, sweetness, and complexity; expect enhanced velvety texture and aged-wood richness over 5–10+ years.

Q: What flavor profile can I expect from this Fu Brick Tea?

A: This Jingyang Golden Flower Fu Brick offers a mellow, sweet, and incredibly smooth cup. Expect comforting flavors familiar to Western palates: dried jujube (red dates), caramel, dark chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and antique wood. There's no bitterness, no astringency, and no musty "basement" taste—just clean, warming sweetness. Think of it as a cozy autumn dessert in a teacup, perfect for all-day sipping.

Q: What are "Golden Flowers" (金花), and are they safe? Is this mold?

A: Golden Flowers(Eurotium cristatum/Aspergillus cristatus) are beneficial probiotic fungi cultivated intentionally during Fu Brick production. They are NOT mold or spoilage—they're the signature hallmark of authentic Fu Brick Tea, prized for centuries for their health benefits and flavor-enhancing properties. These golden blooms metabolize tannins and caffeine, making the tea smoother, sweeter, and gentler on the stomach. Research suggests they support digestive health, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity. You'll see them as tiny golden-yellow specks throughout the brick—this is a sign of quality, not defect!

Q: How do Golden Flowers develop? How do I preserve them?

A: Golden Flowers bloom during a controlled "flower-growing" (fa hua) process in climate-controlled rooms after pressing. The double kraft-paper wrapping on this brick allows the tea to breathe, enabling Golden Flowers to remain active and continue their slow enzymatic work over the years. Store your brick in a cool, dry, ventilated space(away from strong odors, direct sunlight, and excessive humidity). In dry climates, the flowers may appear dormant but will "wake up" when introduced to moisture during brewing. In moderate humidity (50–65%), they'll stay visibly golden and active.

Q: Is this tea suitable for beginners?

A: Absolutely! Fu Brick Tea is one of the most forgiving and beginner-friendly Chinese teas. It's nearly impossible to overbrew—even long steep times yield smooth, sweet liquor without bitterness. The Golden Flower fermentation has already mellowed the tea, making it gentle on the stomach, low in astringency, and caffeine-moderate. If you're new to dark teas or Pu-erh, this is an ideal starting point. Plus, the hand-breakable format means no wrestling with a tea needle—just snap off a chunk and brew!

Q: Can I drink this tea daily? Does it have health benefits?

A: Yes—Fu Brick Tea is traditionally consumed daily in tea-horse road regions and among Tibetan, Mongolian, and Uyghur communities as a digestive aid and dietary staple. The Golden Flowers produce enzymes and bioactive compounds believed to support:

• Digestive comfort (reduces bloating, aids fat digestion—often paired with rich meals)
• Gut health (probiotic-like benefits)
• Cholesterol management (traditional use; some modern studies suggest lipid-modulating effects)
• Gentle, sustained energy (moderate caffeine with L-theanine for calm focus)

As with any tea, consult a healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns.

Q: How will this tea age? Should I age it or drink it now?

A: Drink now AND age it! This 2018 brick has already mellowed beautifully and is delicious immediately. However, Fu Brick Tea has exceptional aging potential—the Golden Flowers continue their enzymatic work over decades, transforming the tea into something richer, smoother, and more complex. Stored properly, expect:

• Years 1–5: Bright jujube sweetness, lively golden flowers, clear amber liquor
• Years 5–10: Deepening woodiness, caramelized sugar, velvety mouthfeel
• 10+ years: Aged-wood elegance, honeyed grain, liquid silk texture

Buy two bricks—drink one now, age one for your future self!

Q: Why is this brick "hand-pressed" instead of machine-pressed? Does it matter?

A: Yes, it matters immensely! Machine-pressed bricks are often densely compacted, making them difficult to break (requiring a tea knife or pick) and limiting airflow within the brick. This hand-pressed Jingtai Hao brick is intentionally medium-density, allowing:
Easy breaking by hand (no tools needed!)
Better air circulation for Golden Flower growth and aging
Faster, more even infusion (leaves unfurl quickly; no tight compression)
Continued microbial activity over time

It's a mark of artisan craftsmanship and respect for the tea's living nature.

Q: What makes Yunnan black tea different from traditional Shaanxi Fu Brick leaves?

A: Traditional Jingyang Fu Bricks use local Shaanxi tea leaves, which are lighter and more delicate. This brick's Yunnan Lincang & Fengqing black tea base brings:
Richer body and mouthfeel (Yunnan's ancient tea genetics)
Deeper, more complex flavor (chocolate, dried fruit, woodiness)
Higher polyphenol content (more "substance" for Golden Flowers to work with)
Better aging potential (Yunnan tea is renowned for transformation over time)

It's a modern innovation rooted in tradition—honoring Jingyang's flower-growing mastery while elevating the raw material to new heights.

Gongfu Style (Recommended for Full Flavor Exploration):

• Tea-to-Water Ratio: 5-7g per 100-120ml gaiwan or small teapot
• Breaking Technique: This hand-pressed brick is easy to break by hand—simply snap off a chunk (no Pu-erh knives needed); aim for approximately 5-7g (size of a large walnut)
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F) boiling water (Fu Brick loves high heat—unlocks sweetness and golden flower aromatics)
• Vessel Recommendations:Yixing clay teapot: Enhances sweetness, adds body, develops tea patina over time (ideal for Fu Brick)Porcelain gaiwan: Clean flavor expression, showcases liquor clarityGlass teapot: Visual enjoyment of brilliant amber-red color
• Infusion Protocol:Rinse: 5-10 seconds (awaken leaves, discard water—note the explosive chocolate-floral aroma released)1st-3rd steeps: 15-20 seconds (sweet entry, chocolate-caramel dominance, golden flower fragrance)4th-7th steeps: 30-45 seconds (deepening richness, wood notes emerge, full-bodied peak)8th-12th steeps: 1-2 minutes (sustained honey-sweetness, meditative simplicity)13th+ steeps: 3-5 minutes (gentle honey-water; some drinkers reach 15-20 infusions with quality material)

Pro Tip: Fu Brick is extraordinarily forgiving—even if you oversteep by several minutes, it won't turn bitter (just slightly stronger and more concentrated). Perfect for beginners learning Gongfu technique without fear of "ruining" the tea.

Western Style (Office/Casual Brewing):

• Ratio: 3-5g per 250-350ml (8-12oz) mug
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F) boiling
• Steep Time:First infusion: 3-5 minutesSecond infusion: 5-7 minutes (yes, reuse the same tea!)Third infusion: 7-10 minutes
• Result: Rich, smooth, naturally sweet tea perfect for all-day sipping at desk or home
• Advantage: Low bitterness means you can steep longer without concern—very beginner-friendly and forgiving

Traditional Boiling Method (Northwest China / Silk Road Style):

• Ratio: 8-10g per 500-1000ml water
• Method:Add broken tea chunks to cold water in potBring to rolling boilReduce heat and simmer 3-5 minutesStrain into cups or thermos
• Result: Maximum extraction—thick, robust, deeply sweet brew with pronounced body
• Cultural Context: This is how nomadic peoples brewed Fu Brick historically—boiled over campfires for maximum warmth, nourishment, and digestive support during long journeys
• Perfect For: Cold winter mornings, post-meal digestive aid, sharing with large groups, thermos preparation for all-day sipping