I was a bit worried I might be disappointed by the hype but I can honestly say that the GNWL really is a lovely creamy soft tea, refined with a intriguing complexity(for a shu that is...)- kind of like the Audrey Hepburn of shus. I brewed maybe 5 cups and the subtle camphor aftertaste carried all the way through lingering on my tongue pleasantly for an hour after my session. Most of my other Menghai shu blends(7452, 7572, 3rd grade, caravan to Tibet) are on the robust side so this is a welcome change. I was frankly in bit of a Menghai shu rut.
I also tried the 2009 Hai Lang Hao Jin Hao Gong Bing Ripe Pu-erh which was a tasty malty roasty cup with a cola licorice flavor. I know another blogger gave the 2005 and 2006 Hai Lang Hao "Jin Hai Lang" a dismissive "leather boot" rating so I was a bit worried but this 2009 Jin Hao Gong was a pleasant experience (or at least not an unpleasant experience). Sadly it didn't last for more than 2 strong brews so I'm not as eager to get more. I expect at least a good 5 cups out of my shu!
I tried this tea again today and somehow it does not taste quite as magical. I was all prepared to shell out some big bucks for two older cakes (probably not a good use of money to buy expensive shus) but I'm not sure what to do.
ReplyDeleteIf you still have some of that 2009 HLH shu, be advised that in my typical 3,3,3,5,7,10,15,20,30,+++ system (no wash), it takes a number of brews before I taste some pleasant and subtle fruit notes. Try brewing it lighter and go about 5 steeps or so. It's not a great shu, but there is some pleasure to be had mid-session somewheres. It is a low-durability shu in my book, though.
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