2007 Xiaguan Tuo Cha Top Grade Aged Pu’er Puerh Tea 100g

very bitter and not like we expected. We expected a soft, smooth tea.

Oh, this was everything I was hoping for!This tuocha is still young and somewhat bitter, buts it's starting to show some signs of good ageing. The tuocha is still tight, but the edges are starting to loosen a bit, and some of the leaves are shading towards brown. Smell is strong, green and sweet- typical of xiaguan tuocha I've had before. No musty or off odors.I brewed 3 grams only smallest porcelain gaiwan. (100ml) brewed at a full boil with steeps ranging from 15 to 30 seconds I'm getting a lovely Amber red brew that's just starting to show s little age.It's still bitter up front, but after the third brew gentle floral notes emerge followed by a long, strong enduring sweetness and a gentle uplifting chi- absolutely lovely.IF this continues on its current path it's going to be a true joy to drink in another 7 years or more. Probably not super complex (xiaguan isn't known for subtlety) but definitely delicious!I enjoy xiaguan factory tea- it's more robust than the menghai dayi teas I've sampled, and I appreciate it's straightforward character.If you want smooth tea, this one needs a good bit more ageing, but if you like Immature puerh, or are looking for tea to put at the back of the cabinet for consumption 5-10 years down the road this is a tuocha that may be worth taking a risk on.Yummy!