Flavor Profile: orchids, mountain mist, strong energy
Production Area: Giàng Pằng, Yên Bái Province
Harvest: April 2024
Compressed: May 2024
The drive up to to Giàng Pằng, a very remote area in Yên Bái Province was one of the most grueling leg of our trip but it was well worth it because it's a beautifully lush and picturesque place. The Giàng Pằng Dark is made possible by a small family operation. Leaves are cared for and harvested by the women of the family, while the tea is processed by the brother. Local wood is used to fire up the pan to process the fresh leaves that come into from the day. The tea undergoes a mix of sun-drying, machine rolling, and a final machine drying. We allowed the loose tea to rest for a month before it was compressed so the fresh, vegetal characteristics of this sheng-style puerh tea are able to transform into a much deeper floral profile.
It's an energizing medium-bodied tea with a heady aroma that's reminiscent of the forest mist and canopy, and a wonderfully long and sweet aftertaste. Highly enjoyable now, so flake off some to drink now. We also suspect it'll age gracefully for many years to come if you're into that as well.
How to Prepare
Amount of Tea: 5 g / 2 tsp
Volume of Water: ~118 ml / 4 oz
Water Temperature: 212°F / ~96°C
Brewing Time: ~2 mins