Western Half of the Mountain, shengcha Pu’er maocha
$ 16.90
臨滄 勐庫西半山 大葉生毛茶
Mengku Maocha 2015 — Mengku Xi Ban Shan
Rough terrains, with altitudes ranging from 1000’s to over 3000 m make up almost 100% of the total 475 km2 of Mengku, in the subregion of Lincang in Yunnan. The uneven landscape is interlaced with huge rocks and subtropical forests. That may explain why for over 500 years the production of tea has been a major means of livelihood for the indigenous tribes here. Old tea trees exist in patches here and there. Sometimes there is a single huge one which immediate surrounding would be cleared for pickers to work during harvests. While leaves from the east side of this cluster of mountains are known for their strong character, those produced on the west side are sweeter, silkier and more gentle. I think the latter is better in the form of maocha. We have matured this batch for 9 years for your better enjoyment, and friendlier to the stomach.
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Net weight: 40 g (1.4 oz) in wide Kraft-alu pack
In stock
Taste profile
Nose: Warm, lasting floral aroma on an overtone of raisin and jujube. Earthy undertone. Accents of grape peel, pollen and slight sweetness. Palate: Lively, malty infusion with an undertone suggesting Chinese liquorice root. Tints of honey, grape peel and spiciness. Slight accent of almond and jujube. Finish: Quenching, cool aftertaste hinting of American ginseng.
Infusion tips
Making tea from a maocha using a gaiwan
Please refer to this article: About Infusing Pu’er Maocha
Additional information
| Weight | 90 g |
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| Dimensions | 18 × 9 × 5 cm |
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Reviews(1)
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Red Cloak Grande, Wuyi yancha oolong
Tea, Oolongs, Wuyi-shan, Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Warm Energy武夷百年老樅、正品大紅袍
Centenary Bush Dahong Pao:
The most revered amongst all Wuyi oolongs, Da Hongpao (translate: Big Red Cloak) from the pure pedigree grown in better horticultural environment mean significant difference and are most sought after. Tea Hong’s Red Cloak Grande is an extremely limited production (10 kg/year) harvested from two second generation noble breed that are over 100 yrs old in the heights of Wuyi. Masterfully processed to best deliver the taste this name represents.
Net weight: 40 g (1.4 oz) in Kraft-alu pack 
White Peony Zhenghe, traditional white tea
Tea, White teas, Minnan/ Mindong, Fujian, Lighter Aromas, Milder Tastes, Neutral-Cool Energy精選、政和白牡丹
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Net weight: 40 g (1.4 oz) in wide Kraft-alu pack 
April Mist, traditional green tea
Tea, Green teas, Zhejiang, Lighter Aromas, Milder Tastes, Cool Energy明前 九龍雲霧
Wild Bush Yunwu:
For those who prefer a little more strength in their green tea, April Mist is a pleasant choice. Harvested from scattered wild tea bushes in late March or early April, depending on the conditions that year and pre Qing Ming nevertheless, in the misty days of the mountainous region for a deeper taste. Lightly roasted for a balance of warmth, aroma and refreshing brightness, this Yunwu (translate: cloud and mist) makes a distinct difference from its counterparts that may look similar.
Net weight: 80 g (2.8 oz) in Kraft-alu pack 
Phoenix Classic, dancong oolong
Tea, Oolongs, Fenghuang | Phoenix, Floral Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral Energy鳳凰蜜香 白葉單欉
Fenghuang Baiye:
Before Chaozhou Guest Hotel was privatised, this officially appointed lodging for visiting high-ranking government officials used to serve only classic style Phoenix oolongs in all of their restaurants*. Tea Hong’s Phoenix Classic could well be the special quality in the large white porcelain teapot on the breakfast table sitting next to bamboo steamers holding finely crafted dim sums for the privileged guests. All fine and quintessential characters of the classic Phoenix oolong can be found in this tea — Sweet, fruity, and lively with notes of peach and dried longan, lychee and sweet potato. A proud heritage of Guangdong oolong.
Net weight: 40 g (1.4 oz) in Kraft-alu pack
Whoa, I was not expecting that. I’m no expert with pu’er, but I am getting gushu vibes here – supremely thick and layered, intensely concentrated, and dynamic across a full session. The qi is strong but it has traction control, so the experience ends up being powerful yet restrained.
There’s a lot of character in these leaves. The way the flavors open up and change, the way the huigan builds, there’s a lot to appreciate in each sip, it’s all so cohesive and comes together flawlessly. I’m looking forward to getting to know this one better as I continue to work through this bag, and more in the future – this is very good maocha.
At the time of this review, it’s exactly 10 years old. It still has some youthful characteristics – notes of fresh-cut tobacco, clear and distinct tropical hardwood, with a very textured mouthfeel – but it’s also tempered, with lots of ultra-smooth qualities already developing nicely.
I’m captivated by how smooth, fleshy, and jammy the fruity notes are – I get raisins, fresh fig, and hints of stewed plums, and there’s some nice overtones of florals which are subtle, but contrast nicely against the layers of tobacco and hardwood.
There’s definitely something silky and oily going on with the mouthfeel, it has enough presence to cut through any bitterness and leave a really smooth mouthfeel behind in the aftertaste, but it’s not so strong that it has its own set of distinct flavors. It blends seamlessly with the flavors and makes all of the edges feel rounded and polished.
The finish is nice – the fruity and floral qualities eventually fade but there is a sweetness which persists, along with some notes of olive wood and various roots.