I purchased a sample of 2019 Big Old Ass Tree with my last Bitterleaf Teas order. I am partial to Hekai these days as I like how potent and balanced it can be but also I can’t pass up old and wild tree teas.
Leaf and Steeping Method
The leaf scent is light but has a floral tangy scent.
Steeped up the leaf smells lightly floral, creamy nutty with some fresh green bean.
Tasting of Bitterleaf Teas’ 2019 Big Old Ass Tree Sheng Puer
First and Second Infusion: The first impression is Big Old Ass Tree is it is thick in texture, like drinking buttery pudding. The flavor is light but has a slight lemon drop tart, osmanthus floral, and a bit of looming vegetal herby bitterness. After drinking, the tea leaves an oily feeling in the mouth and a long buttery floral aftertaste.
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Infusion: Big Old Ass Tree is picking up speed and going a bit aggressive. The flavor is balanced and moderate in intensity, but the floral and vegetal both meet to a sharp point, blending perfectly to a bitter floral slap. After each sip is a long lasting osmanthus and jasmine floral note.
The fifth infusion was particularly potent, the generously oily texture shielding me from full digestive rot. After drinking, the tea is rewardingly jasmine floral in the aftertaste and texture.
Sixth Infusion: This Hekai sheng is finally slipping in taste. Big Old Ass Tree is punchy stewy bitter oregano and parsley, but super thick, oily, and floral to cover it.
Seventh and Eighth Infusion: Here, Big Old Ass Tree is in the process of changing, as the sip is now thick but sweet, but quickly changes to the stewy bitter.
Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Infusion: Finally, Big Old Ass Tree sips in light, tasting on the honeyed flower sweet side, with an astringent flowery lingering finish. It has some bitterness, but more so in the flowery side being potent. Some sips have an underripe green grape vibe with the sweet, floral fruity, and dryness. With each steeping, it gets drier and lighter.
Comments
Bitterleaf Teas’ 2019 Big Old Ass Tree Sheng Puer is a floral heavy young sheng, a bit less punchy than some other 2019 spring Hekais I’ve had this year, but still will slap around someone that doesn’t have the taste for elegant bitterness.
This young sheng has an awesome texture and floral notes. If you push past the bitter zone the tea switches back to be fairly pleasant.
Overall, if you love floral and sweeter teas with a bit of punch and balance, Big Old Ass Tree s a great tea. It is fine to drink now, if I had a cake I’d probably drink it down younger to keep that floral going.
