The 2015 Menghai is here and bringing better aging than we anticipated. Why? Because we began with an even higher leaf selection standard than our 2005 harvest, then entrusted it to the same fermentation Master, and finally stored it for 10 years under ideal conditions. The result is a Puer that’s pure and smooth, with even the slightest hint of any musty or “pile” notes that can haunt some aged teas. The leather/aged/chocolate flavor is growing every day and will surpass even the 2005 version at some point, but is already above that one in the smoothness and crispy, clean flavor department. 
Speaking of chocolate—who doesn’t love it? We’ve pressed this tea into a 100 gram “bar,” shaped just like your favorite cocoa treat. No scales, no fuss just a convenient way to brew the same amount each time as you go to fifteen infusions and even further unlocking layers of warmth and depth. If paired with dark chocolate, you will be most pleased with syngenetic effect.
So go ahead: break off a square, pour the first amber liquor, and settle in with a chunk of your favorite 85% chocolate bar just next to your tea board. Relax and enjoy infusion after infusion that time, craftsmanship, and molecular changes have provided.

Brewing Instructions

Storage:  Store unused portions away from sunlight and odors in a moderately humid area between 70-80F/21-27C.

Brewing water: Poland Spring (called Origin brand in some areas) brand mineral water produces the finest results. See water recommendation list for additional options. Soft water, distilled water and hard water will ruin this tea. Tap water varies wildly and is best avoided as well.

Brewing temperature:100C/212F

Brewing method:  1 square of the pressed tea, 100ml (a bit less than 1/2 cup) water each time for 15 seconds in a Chinese gaiwan or a small pot. After the first 10 infusions, increase each infusion time by 5 seconds. To produce lighter tea, either decrease amount of tea, increase amount of water or decrease brewing time. To produce stronger tea, either increase amount of tea, decrease amount of water or increase brewing time. You can easily adjust to suit your individual taste.

Notes: Small quick infusions showcase the changing flavors of each cup. Longer brewing times in larger quantities of water (western brewing style) end up more homogeneous, but still very good results.