Amber Brew - Menghai

$199.00 CAD $179.00 CAD
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This eighth-generation release showcases the culmination of artisanal expertise with its signature small-pile, slow-ground fermentation process. Made from meticulously selected old-tree spring material, the tea strikes the perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and refinement, offering a smooth, cooling, and salivating experience.

Description
  • Summary: The 2021 "Amber Brew" is a classic cooked Pu-erh that embodies the essence of Zenmind’s craftsmanship. With its characteristic thick, sweet, and silky texture, coupled with a rare cooling sensation and lingering salivation, this tea is both a delight to drink now and a gem for long-term aging.
  • Characteristics: Known for its rich grain aroma, smooth and dense texture, and exceptional balance, Amber Brew represents the pinnacle of old-tree cooked Pu-erh with qualities that satisfy daily drinkers and collectors alike.
Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Well-shaped cake with tightly compressed strips. Glossy reddish-brown with golden buds.
  • Infusion Color: Bright and oily deep red.
  • Aroma: Pure and fragrant with layers of glutinous rice, grains, and woody sweetness. Later infusions reveal nuanced bean-paste and herbal notes, leaving a long-lasting sweet aroma in the cup.
  • Flavor: Silky, smooth, and richly textured with a sweet, mellow profile. Notable coolness and salivating effects enhance the experience. By the 7th infusion, prolonged steeping unlocks complex woody and grainy notes, with sweetness deepening into a thick, bean-soup-like richness.
  • Leaf Base: Vibrantly glossy, resilient, and fresh, resembling aged Sheng Pu-erh leaves.
Ingredients

Xishuangbanna, Menghai, Old Tree, Spring Harvest of 2017 & 2018

Region

Menghai, Yunnan, China

Menghai, located in the southern region of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, is one of the most renowned tea-producing areas in China. It is celebrated as the birthplace of the iconic "Menghai Flavor" Pu-erh tea, which is characterized by its rich, thick, and mellow profile. Situated at elevations of 1,000 to 1,600 meters, Menghai benefits from a tropical monsoon climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile red soil, all of which contribute to its unique tea terroir. The region is also home to several ancient tea-producing villages such as Nannuo and Bulang, which boast a rich history of tea cultivation and trade.

The climate in Menghai features warm temperatures averaging between 16°C and 25°C, with high humidity and consistent rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. These conditions support the growth of tea leaves that are bold, full-bodied, and capable of long-term aging. The old tea trees of Menghai, many over centuries old, produce leaves with a characteristic strength and sweetness that define its teas.

Menghai Pu-erh teas are highly prized for their classic profiles, whether Sheng (raw) or Shu (ripe). Known for their thick, smooth textures and lingering earthy sweetness, they embody the essence of tradition and skill. Often hand-processed by local artisans, these teas carry the depth and complexity of Menghai’s history, making them a favorite among tea lovers worldwide.

6-8g

200ml

>97°C

6-12secs