Fragrant Quince

About the tea

This loose-leaf shu pu-erh from Jingmai has a soft, sweet character, with notes of dried fruit, milk caramel and a delicate woody touch. It suits those who look for a rounded taste and a restrained combination of sweet and woody tones in shu pu-erh. Its loose-leaf form makes everyday brewing straightforward: simply weigh out a portion without separating compressed tea. Enjoy it now or keep some for further aging under suitable conditions.

Origin and production

The 2020 harvest was gathered in Jingmai at an elevation of 1600 m from tea bushes and trees aged 80–100 years. They grow among other plants in an ecologically clean environment. This is shu pu-erh, a style made using microbial fermentation. This lot is loose leaf; the stated year refers to the harvest.

Taste and aroma

Sweet dried-fruit and milk-caramel notes meet in the taste. Light woody notes complement them while preserving the tea’s overall soft character. These descriptions are tasting associations, rather than a list of ingredients. To find your preferred balance, start with a moderate concentration and adjust the brewing time in small steps.

How to brew

Gongfu brewing: use 5 g of tea per 100 ml of water at 95–100 °C in a gaiwan or small teapot. Give the leaves a brief rinse and discard that water. Steep the first infusion for 15–20 seconds, then gradually increase the time. Drain each infusion completely so the leaves do not continue steeping between cups.

Western brewing: use 3 g per 250 ml of water at 95–100 °C and steep for 2–3 minutes. Separate the finished infusion from the leaves. Brew again while you still enjoy the taste, adjusting the time as needed. If the infusion is too strong, shorten the steep; if it is too light, extend it slightly. These are starting proportions to adapt to your teaware and preferences.

The tea session

Choose this tea to explore the soft, sweet side of shu pu-erh at your own pace. A small vessel makes it easy to compare infusions and adjust their strength; a larger teapot suits moments when you want a cup without a series of short steeps. Try both methods and see which brings out your preferred balance of caramel, dried-fruit and woody notes.

Storage

Keep the tea in clean, closed packaging at a stable room temperature, away from sunlight, moisture and strong smells. Do not refrigerate it or artificially increase humidity. With suitable storage, its taste may become softer and more rounded over time. There is no need to rush the aging process: taste it occasionally and compare your impressions.