EN
Bingdao (冰岛, bīngdǎo) means "ice island", though it is actually a small village in Yunnan known for its old tea trees. This 2021 sheng pu-erh "Bingdao Trees" comes from the Kaishunhao (开顺号) brand, and the raw material includes leaves from ancient trees.
The tea comes in a convenient format: a set of seven mini cakes of 8 grams each, 56 g in total. One mini cake is a ready-made portion for a single brew, so there is nothing to break apart or weigh, and you can try this famous region without a big investment.
Characteristics
- Type: sheng pu-erh (green pu-erh)
- Brand: Kaishunhao
- Origin: Bingdao, Yunnan, China
- Harvest: 2021
- Form: 7 mini cakes of 8 g, 56 g in total
- Flavor: sweet fruit, flowers, honey, a soft bitterness in the aftertaste
Aroma and Taste
Dry leaf: a complex floral and fruity scent; the mini cakes are neat and dense.
Infusion: rich, bright and sweet, with notes of ripe fruit, flowers and honey. You can feel the lively energy of young sheng pu-erh.
Aftertaste: long, with a pleasant bitterness that quickly turns into sweetness.
Why You'll Love It
A great way to get to know one of the most famous pu-erh regions. This tea suits mornings and afternoon tea sessions: it is invigorating and refreshing. The mini cakes are handy for travel and gift sets, and young sheng can be set aside for storage so you can watch it change over the years.
How to Brew
Gongfu brewing (short infusions)
- Leaf: one mini cake (about 8 g) per 150 ml gaiwan, or 6–7 g
- Water: 90–95 °C
- Rinse for 3–5 s, then discard the water
- First infusions 5–10 s, then gradually increase the time
Western-style brewing (teapot)
- Leaf: about 3 g per 200 ml of water
- Water: 90–95 °C
- Steep for 2–3 min to avoid extra bitterness
Storage
Store the mini cakes in a dry, cool place, away from direct light and strong odors. Sheng pu-erh keeps well for a long time in paper or a closed box.