Warm Leaf Smell: black soil, condensed milk, topinambur
Wet Leaf Smell: soil and roots after rain
Texture Feel: thick, creamy, coating
Taste: yam, milk, mifagao (steamed rice bun)
Finish Feel: clean, silky smooth, a bit juicy
Empty Cup Smell: oat biscuits
Aftertaste: milk porridge
Body Feel: energised, warm, clear-headed

Category: Shou (Cooked) PuErh Tea
Native Name: 春南糯古树熟普洱
Harvest: 2024 April
rigin: ancient forest around Shitou old village, NanNuo mountain, Menghai county, Xishuangbanna prefecture, Yunnan province, China
Cultivar: Da Ye Zhong (Big Leaf)
Altitude: 1600m+

Shou puerh is rarely made from pure ancient tree (GuShu) spring material, such harvests are usually reserved for Sheng. Chernozem is a rare exception, and a strong case for why this should be done more often.

Deeply mineral and consistently thick, the tea carries a rich, earthy profile that reminded us of fertile black soil (hence the name). A medium-to-strong fermentation gives it a creamy, dense texture.

And the body feel is just as smooth and comforting.

It drinks beautifully now, but also holds strong potential for aging, if you can resist finishing it first.

 GongFu brewing:
 100°C
 6g /100ml
 1st infusion: 15sec, next: +3sec/infusion
 12 infusions
 
Don't be put off by the dark black liquor — this tea is easy to work with. It opens gradually over the first infusions and holds well across many brews.

This tea comes from an ancient garden on NanNuo mountain, with trees estimated between 300 and 800 years old, near the old Shitou village. The garden grows in a forest ecosystem where tea trees coexist with other plants. The trees, especially the older ones, have not been treated with fertilisers or pesticides for many years. This environment contributes to the depth and mineral character of the tea.
 
The producer manages the harvest and processing herself, with her family. I met her by chance in 2024, and her teas have consistently stood out, not just for their quality, but for the care and integrity she puts into them.

TRASHIII — INDUSTRIAL FUTURE