Bana Tea Company’s 2020 String of Pearls raw sheng puer is 5 gram Dragon Pearls from old growth trees in Mengsong, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. I got one as a free sample with a previous Bana Tea Company order.
Leaf and Steeping method
The tea has a zesty wild honey vegetal scent. Compression on the dragon pearl is tight so I used the whole 5 grams, paired with a 75ml tea vessel.
The easiest way to steep a tight compression tea like this is to use boiling water. Pour directly on the tea, pour out the rinse and leave the lid on the teapot/ gaiwan to “steam” for a few minutes. Poke at the tea with a tea knife to tease the leaf open.
After a rinse, the leaves of String of Pearls sheng have a lime zest and steamed rice.
Tasting of Bana Tea Company’s 2020 String of Pearls Sheng Puer
First and Second Infusion: As expected, the String of Pearls Sheng Puer starts off very light due to tight compression. The flavor is fresh and sweet, with a bit of zesty hay and honey, but also brightens and sweetens at end of the sip, leaving a buttery sensation in the mouth.
Third and Fourth Infusion: String of Pearls Sheng Puer is finally starting to open up. This tea is a floral lemon pith without the tart or bitterness, that settles into a stronger honey floral and hay, continuing with a buttery mouthfeel. The aftertaste is long zesty honey floral that doesn’t end. I got caught up knitting mittens and noticed the floral aftertaste slowly shifts to jasmine.
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Infusion: Now this tea is in full swing, with a bitter jasmine floral perfumed intensity and an amber finish. The texture switches to astringency to dry out the roof of my mouth. Despite the strong-tasting tea, the leaves just smell nutty and sweet.
Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Infusion: String of Pearls Sheng Puer finishes light and honey sweet. It does have a moderate astringency but holds onto a pretty floral aftertaste.
String of Pearls Sheng Puer tea energy on this is uplifting yet calm. I was ready and chipper to take on the world! The leaf quality is full intact big leaves – these dragon pearls were made with good leaves and not the chopped up kind.
Comments
Bana Tea Company’s 2020 String of Pearls Sheng Puer is a sweet floral leaning young sheng of excellent quality. It has this sunny sweet spring vibe – I wish I could have this tea while on a cruise – drinking this zesty tea would pair nicely while feeling the ocean breeze. This is an awesome tea if you love floral shengs and packaged great for travel or office.
Bana Tea Company has excellent teas, so be sure to check out my other reviews about them!
(tea provided as a free sample with order)
