Shen Pu'er 2004, 357 grams

The 2004 Shen Pu'er from Menghai Tea Factory is an aged green pu'er in a classic wrapper with a red 大益 (Da Yi) logo, symbolizing the stable quality and deep tradition of the most famous factory in Yunnan. The Qi Zi Bing Cha (七子饼茶) format - 357 g - is the standard of classic pu'er, suitable for both everyday tea drinking and collecting.

This pancake has been naturally aged for over 19 years, giving it a deep, rounded and noble taste. It is one of the most stable, time-tested shen, which has been perfectly preserved and evolved over the decades.

The infusion is rich amber, transparent. The taste is woody-camphoraceous, bittersweet, with a mineral structure. The aroma is old wood, dried fruits, and a faint hint of smoke. The aftertaste is long, velvety, and honey-like.

Features of this shen:

• Factory: Menghai Tea Factory (勐海茶厂)
• Brand: Da Yi (大益) - one of the most famous pu-erh in the world
• Shape: Qi Zi Bing Cha (pancake 357 g)
• Year of production: 2004
• Type: Shen Pu'er (unfermented)
• Raw materials: leaves from the Menghai Mountains, medium and large sorting
• Suitable for storage up to 50 years

Characteristics:

• Type: Shen Puer
• Manufacturer: Menghai Tea Factory (Da Yi)
• Year: 2004
• Weight: 357 g
• Origin: Xishuangbanna, Menghai, Yunnan
• Taste: woody, soft, mineral
• Aroma: dried fruits, camphor, light smoke

How to brew aged shen pu-erh:

Gongfu method:

1. 5–6 g per 100 ml
2. Temperature — 95–100°C
3. Rinse with the first flush (2–3 seconds)
4. Brew in short bursts of 10–20 seconds.
5. Up to 10–12 brews

European method:

1. 1 tsp per 300–350 ml
2. Temperature — 95°C
3. Infuse for 3–5 minutes
4. Re-brew 2–3 times