Sheng Pu’ Er Cake – 2016

“Dan, words cannot express the wonderful teas CHASH provide”” – Dee, Tea connoisseur

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During our visit to Yunnan we met a wonderful tea company. After introducing us to a sensational locally-grown Black Tea called Xi Gui (we had already decided to buy a small batch of that)  they then made us a cup of a new Pu’ Er from the same garden.

Wow! We had not enjoyed a Pu’ Er that was so fresh, vibrant and unmistakably akin to green tea.
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In the far south of China is the province of Yunnan. Yunnan is the birthplace of tea

Pu ‘Erh is the earliest tea still produced in modern times

Today international buyers will pay tens of thousands of pounds for this valuable tea!

For several weeks very large leaves are twice fermented. This fermentation brings Pu ‘Erh its distinct earthy flavour and aroma and rich colour

In China Pu ‘Er (sometimes written as Pu’ Erh) is widely used to manage weight and cholesterol

It can be enjoyed throughout the day, while its benefit as a digestive means it is especially satisfying when drunk with a meal

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Chaqi (茶气)

To truly appreciate the wonder of this tea we need to introduce you to the term ‘Chaqi’

Chinese medicine works on the principle of Qi (energy) of the body. The strains of daily life cause us an excess or shortage of Qi. This upsets our mood and effects body regulation. In turn, this leads to emotional imbalance and unhappiness

We can address the imbalance with tea that is rich in Qi. This is known as Chaqi – literally ‘tea energy’

When drinking tea, enthusiasts consider the traditional aspects of appearance, aroma and taste. Appreciation is found in the study of the dry leaf, wet leaf, the liquor and, of course, the flavours

A connoisseur contemplates the Chaqi (茶气). It is best described as how the tea makes you feel. It is unspoken and intangible

We have been told that Chaqi is inexpressibly divine. To some it is a feeling of total relaxation, a sense of incredible calm. Others feel deeply ‘attuned’ and experience a sensation of hyper alertness. The effect of Chaqi is often compared to higher-state meditation.

To truly feel it you have to sense Chaqi by yourself and for yourself (your experience will by definition be different to that experienced by those you share this tea with)

Pause for a moment. Consider the studies that show tea combats illness. Remember tea was originally used as medicine

One barometer of tea quality is the number of infusions the leaf provides. This Chaqi-rich Pu’ Erh will offer you up to 9 steeps

Allow the tea to reach you. Rare is it that a moment lasts with you forever

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The beauty within this tea lies in the garden from which the leaves originate; the garden is in Lincang, but at the extraordinary elevation of 3429 metres. Here only old trees grow.

Using the bud and first 2 leaves, we are assured this sheng Pu’ Er will age beautifully. It certainly has much potential.

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