2016 Muzhi Grove Shu Pu'er
Quantity
Tea Profile
| Tea Type | Ripe Pu'er (Shu Pu'er 熟茶) |
|---|---|
| Style | Mini Compressed Brick (金砖) |
| Origin | Kunming, Yunnan Province |
| Production Date | Spring 2016 |
| Processing | Wet-pile fermented and compressed into individually wrapped mini bricks |
| Leaf Material | Yunnan large-leaf tea (云南大叶种) |
Origin and Character
Produced in Yunnan and pressed into individual mini bricks, this ripe Pu'er is designed for convenience without sacrificing quality in the cup. Each brick provides a complete Gong fu session with no measuring required, making it equally suited to home brewing or travelling.
Although composed of broken leaf material, the tea surprised us during tasting with its exceptionally clean fermentation and refined drinking character. Rich woodland notes and dried fruits dominate the opening infusions before gradually giving way to mineral sweetness, gentle camphor wood and a soft, lingering finish.
Aroma and Flavour
| Aroma | Wet woodland, cedar, camphor wood and subtle dried florals |
|---|---|
| Liquor | Bright deep mahogany, gradually softening to clear ruby amber |
| Flavour | Wet oak, forest floor, dried dates, dried figs and clean mineral sweetness |
| Mouthfeel | Rich, silky and mouth-coating before gently softening through the later infusions |
| Finish | Clean, smooth and mineral with gentle woody notes and excellent balance |
✦ The Astraluna Perspective ✦
Not every memorable tea is defined by rare leaf material. This miniature brick impressed us through its honesty and consistency.
Its broken leaves extract quickly, producing an immediately rich and velvety liquor that remains remarkably clean throughout the session. There are no distracting fermentation notes, only smooth woodland character, gentle dried fruit and an increasingly mineral finish that leaves the palate refreshed. While its complexity naturally fades after the first few infusions, it remains an outstanding everyday Shu Pu'er and an excellent introduction to ripe Pu'er for both newcomers and experienced drinkers alike.
Brewing Notes
| Method | Leaf | Water | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gong fu | 1 brick (~6 g) per 100–120 ml | 100°C | 10 sec rinse, then 5–10 sec infusions |
| Western | 1 brick per 300 ml | 100°C | 3–5 min |
For a complete method, read How to Brew Shu Pu'er.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry and odour-free place away from direct sunlight, moisture and strong aromas. Keep each mini brick sealed until use. Under suitable storage conditions, the tea may continue to integrate and develop a smoother, sweeter character over time.