Mengku Rongshi 2016 "Gong Ting" (Palace / Imperial Grade) Ripe Puerh

Mengku Rongshi's ripe productions are overshadowed by their premium raw stuff, but that's a pity as the quality of their Shou is top notch.

This is a premium Gongting (or imperial) grade designation which indicates only the highest quality, tippy young leaf is used. It is powerful and intense given the bud-heavy material, steep gently at first to make the most of this complex, evolving tea. 

[We obtained a super clean Kunming-stored batch at a very good price and highly recommend stocking up for aging.]

TASTE PROFILE

The initial steeps are powerful, with lots of fuzz from the tippy leaf. Less upfront sweetness than expected, flavors are roasted chestnut and cocoa nibs with a hint of citrus peel tartness. A camphorous, medicinal undertone emerges briefly, which will intensify with aging. In mid to later steeps, a surprising roasted sugarcane sweetness abruptly comes to the fore alongside a delicious breadiness. Smooth, lubricative soup with a medium-short clean finish.

The lighter fermentation results in a nuanced brew with complex woody tannins; which will age beautifully into a deep mahogany richness if you so wish.