I found this Pu-erh to be average (good); which is probably what Teavana was going for by offering this tea.  It’s on par with their direct competitors.  Since it’s a loose leaf tea and not a cake or brick, it’s easier for the average tea consumer to steep.  Teavana describes the tea as aged black tea.  Having said that, as a consumer I have no idea how “aged” the tea really is.  The earthy tones you would expect are found in Teavana’s Pu-erh Organic.  I also detect a slight sweet-floral flavor to the Pu-erh.  I steeped the tea in a clay teapot, and it was not bitter.  I do a quick rinse of the leaves before steeping the tea. This is an affordable Pu-erh to help get you started on your Pu-erh journey.  The tea creates a dark liquor.  It’s as black as coffee.  I typically steep Pu-erh in a clay teapot to avoid staining some of my travel/plastic teapots (plus it tastes better).  This Pu-erh was sufficient for about three steepings.

From a previous marTEA blog:

Pu-erh is one of the few teas that has a cult like following. Connoisseurs around the globe revere Pu-erh for all of its fame and glory and they will pay thousands for top-grade aged Pu-erh. The “earthy” black tea from the Yunnan region of China has a history as interesting as its flavor. It is named after the county Pu’er.

Pu-erh is said to have many medicinal benefits such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, it is marketed as a “slimming” tea. For the general tea lover (like marTEA), Pu-erh is just a complex tea with attitude. It’s the kind of tea that dares you to drink it. It’s often described as having an “earthy” aroma and flavor.

Visit Teavana

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I decided last year to make “Pu-erh for the New Year” a tradition of mine. I haven’t traveled down the road of paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for Pu-erh, but I have enjoyed nearly every Pu-erh I’ve tasted. I’ve been studying Pu-erh for quite sometime, but I know that actual tasting and experimenting is the best way to learn about tea/Pu-erh. For those of you that are new to Pu-erh, here’s a little background from a previous marTEA blog:

Pu-erh is one of the few teas that has a cult-like following. Connoisseurs around the globe revere Pu-erh for all of its fame and glory and they will pay thousands for top-grade aged Pu-erh. The “earthy” tea from the Yunnan region of China has a history as interesting as its flavor. It is named after the county Pu’er. Pu-erh is said to have many medicinal benefits such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, it is marketed as a “slimming” tea. For the general tea lover (like marTEA), Pu-erh is just a complex tea with attitude. It’s the kind of tea that dares you to drink it. It’s often described as having an “earthy” aroma and flavor. Basically, this means it tastes like dirt to many people.

This year’s Pu-erh for the New Year was in the shape of a small bowl. The Pu-erh came from just4tea.com’s online tea store. I steeped the bowl shaped Pu-erh in a Yixing teapot (I call it the frog pot). I infused the tea again, and again, and again… I really enjoyed this Pu-erh. The earthy tones that have made Pu-erh both popular and unpopular with tea drinkers were enjoyed with every cup I had. I have nothing bad to say about this tea. It was smooth, bold, and it made for a pleasant morning of reflection as another year past and the new year has started. Pu-erh is the perfect tea when you need to time to unwind. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout life. Pu-erh often takes on different characteristics with each infusion. It may start off bitter and end sweet or vice versa…a lot like life.

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Stash tea is now carrying Yamamotoyama tea. Yamamotoyama’s slogan is “perfecting the art of tea since 1690.” That’s quite a few years in case you’re counting. The chrysanthemum tea I’m drinking today claims to contain 100% natural ingredients. It’s basically Pu-erh oolong tea and chrysanthemum flowers in a tea bag. Chrysanthemums are perennial flowering plants. There are many of you that may have a variety of this plant in your backyard.

This particular tea is said to contain a yellow-pedal variety of chrysanthemum. The Pu-erh oolong is very interesting in this blend. The earthy tones of Pu-erh are very pronounced. The earthy flavor of Pu-erh mixed with the light fragrance of the chrysanthemum makes for a very complex pairing. As I always say, if a tea has character, I’m a fan. For example, I may drink the tea and say that Pu-erh is the dominant flavor of the mix. You may try it and enjoy the floral notes of the tea. Regardless, this tea is meant for those that are not looking for a “normal” Lipton-like tea bag experience. This is a tea that will help you appreciate the complexities of tea, or it will let you know that this is clearly not for you.

Either way, I like this tea. It has a bit of an aftertaste that I’m trying to get used to. Other than that, the aroma and taste are pleasing. Only purchase this tea if you are familiar with Pu-erh. Otherwise, I’m afraid you may have strayed too far our of your comfort zone.

Wikipedia: chrysanthemum

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My latest Pu-Erh was from Upton Tea Imports. It’s an organic black tea that Upton calls “China Ancient Pu-Erh – MAIDEN.” I have to say, the first time I tried Pu-Erh it took some getting used to. The earthy, almost mud-like, flavor is not something most of us experience everyday. However, this variety has the earthy tones that are usually present in Pu-Erh, but it is subtle with a freshness that makes it a solid black tea. If you’ve been hesitant to try Pu-Erh, but you want to give it a try, this is the one to try.

Maiden is said to be picked from select tea trees that are over 1,000 years old. This “earthy” black tea is from the Yunnan region of China. It is named after the county Pu’er. This variety of Pu-Erh is delicious and not offensive in any way. The liquor is as black as night with a silky texture that adds to the Pu-Erh experience. I found the tea to steep well in 212-degree water for about 6 minutes.

marTEA

Pu-erh is one of the few teas that has a cult like following. Connoisseurs around the globe revere Pu erh for all of its fame and glory and they will pay thousands for top-grade aged Pu-erh. The “earthy” black tea from the Yunnan region of China has a history as interesting as its flavor. It is named after the county Pu’er.

Pu-erh is said to have many medicinal benefits such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, it is marketed as a “slimming” tea. For the general tea lover (like marTEA), Pu-erh is just a complex tea with attitude. It’s the kind of tea that dares you to drink it. It’s often described as having an “earthy” aroma and flavor. Basically, this means it tastes like dirt to many people. I couldn’t wait to try it. With all of my dirt eating experience from mountain bike riding, I felt I was ready to take the next step.

For my first experience, I ordered Pu-erh Dante from adagio.com. I’ve ordered a lot of teas from Adagio in the past. I know this isn’t top-grade, but I wanted to try it at an entry level. I popped the lid off of the tin and took a whiff. Yep, it smelled like dirt. I started steeping the tea, and in less then 2 minutes my glass pot was completely black! The color of the Pu-erh liquor made Assam look like a white tea. Only 3 more minutes until I get to try the infamous Pu-erh… Here we go, in my cup it still has an earthy aroma. I take a sip, and I am pleasantly surprised. Let me tell you, it’s not bad. The tea was smooth with a pleasant after taste. The earthy tones are present throughout, but after a few sips they are welcomed. Pu-erh has such a deep history, and if you are interested in the tea I suggest you do some research. If you are an adventurous tea consumer, that likes to try unique teas, Pu-erh is a tea you should consider.

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