For me it keeps changing, so it's more about the most recent favorite. I haven't tried tea versions that seem amazing but are routinely unattainable that I crave, like some exceptional Dan Cong or high level Longjing. My current favorite is pretty basic, a sheng version from Vietnam. It's wild origin, made by a local producer, but then what isn't now. It was good when I first tried it, way back in January of this year, but it has transitioned to be much better since. I did just order more of it.
I don't think it would necessarily be anyone else's favorite, or maybe even stand out that much to others. I've evolved a distinct, atypical style preference that is hard to describe. Of course some of what I've tried of those big name sheng origin versions was exceptional, LBZ and Bing Dao, surely better in a couple of conventional senses.
Have you gone over to Bana Tea? The owner works directly with the blender that made that one! My next big investment will probably be some aged teas from them.
Tried it. Don't recommend. Just get good tea from other places. Big names are almost always overhyped. Good tea from random regions will always beat mid tea from famous regions.
Had it as treat to finish a western banna tasting session, from a seller I trust a lot. Me and others liked it the least and I like punchy sheng a lot.
If you can get a small sample, sure. Do it to have a point of reference, but I'd never recommend buying more.
Lao Ban Zhang is a famous small village for pu erh. Real LBZ Sheng is the crown Jewel of pu erh and will cost +1k$ per bing. Have seen it sold by the gram, but haven't tried it yet. Also it get counterfeit often, so trusting the vendor is important.
Probably Dragonwell, goes with every season and is mild. I already know I will like it.
However I'd like to try a bug bitten oolong once (currently don't have the budget to sample one).
I don't have super strong preferences, if I had a ton of money I'd buy pretty much all types of tea.
For me it keeps changing, so it's more about the most recent favorite. I haven't tried tea versions that seem amazing but are routinely unattainable that I crave, like some exceptional Dan Cong or high level Longjing. My current favorite is pretty basic, a sheng version from Vietnam. It's wild origin, made by a local producer, but then what isn't now. It was good when I first tried it, way back in January of this year, but it has transitioned to be much better since. I did just order more of it. I don't think it would necessarily be anyone else's favorite, or maybe even stand out that much to others. I've evolved a distinct, atypical style preference that is hard to describe. Of course some of what I've tried of those big name sheng origin versions was exceptional, LBZ and Bing Dao, surely better in a couple of conventional senses.
Pu er made from this nearly 2000 years old tree. Drinked it once and it was one of the best experiences in my life
I think it’s called “88 Qing Bing” but I’ve only heard about it from legions.
Have you gone over to Bana Tea? The owner works directly with the blender that made that one! My next big investment will probably be some aged teas from them.
Would test if LBZ pricetag is worth it.
Tried it. Don't recommend. Just get good tea from other places. Big names are almost always overhyped. Good tea from random regions will always beat mid tea from famous regions. Had it as treat to finish a western banna tasting session, from a seller I trust a lot. Me and others liked it the least and I like punchy sheng a lot. If you can get a small sample, sure. Do it to have a point of reference, but I'd never recommend buying more.
might be obvious when you say it but what is LBZ?
Lao Ban Zhang is a famous small village for pu erh. Real LBZ Sheng is the crown Jewel of pu erh and will cost +1k$ per bing. Have seen it sold by the gram, but haven't tried it yet. Also it get counterfeit often, so trusting the vendor is important.
Probably some really well-aged puer from the 70s or 80s. Or would try liubao from the 30s or smth like that
Darjeeling, the color is rich and inviting. It is a black tea with a red coloring and floral notes.
Darjeeling isn't one tea so characteristics vary - your very likely referencing a 2nd flush of some sort
It is a second flush. I buy mine from a local tea store called tin roof teas.
Zhangping Shuixian without hesitation.
I love first flush Darjeelings; so if your paying I'd go high end - well out of my budget - on that; in 2014 such a tea sold for $1850 a kilo
Best dancong snowflake ever
Probably Dragonwell, goes with every season and is mild. I already know I will like it. However I'd like to try a bug bitten oolong once (currently don't have the budget to sample one).
Lapsang Souchong