I needed more of Kuura’s 2020 ‘฿∅ᄱლᐃᗴᚨƀɑᗲʗ.exe’ and a cake of 2021 Metamaterial sneaked into my cart. This was also the first time I ordered via Softer Drink, the North American Kuura dealer.
2021 Metamaterial sounded great on the listing mentioning dark bitter chocolate flavors. I overall find Kuura to have really good stuff but I never order enough due to the lengthy shipping from Australia. I have had a few of their ripe puers in the past and they were excellent – but sold out before I got around to writing about them.
Leaf and Steeping Method
As I unwrap Metamaterial I notice it smells a little funky. This has been airing out a few weeks but it also was stored with a similar climate and short shipping so it should be in the best condition.
I used a gongfu leaf to vessel ratio of 1g/15ml, steeped at a boil. A single rinse removed the funk. I thought I could get away with a single rinse, but that first steep was really light – so technically two rinses here. The leaves smell nutty and old earth.
Tasting of Kuura’s 2021 Metamaterial Shou Puer
First, Second, and Third Infusion: 2021 Metamaterial is as it is promised – it is sweet, hazelnutty dark chocolate with a thick sticky texture. The aftertaste is even sweeter, clinging to my mouth like still sucking on a piece of minerally rock sugar. Each infusion opens up more chocolate broth. Some sips have a touch of earth.
Fourth and Fifth Infusion: Kuura’s Metamaterial is pretty consistent tasting, hanging on to super sweet chocolate sticky thick broth, but some sips weave in earth and peaches.
Sixth and Seventh Infusion: The flavor is slipping, but damn it is sweet rock sugar, light chocolate with a buttery texture. The final infusion was super light and cold but was sweet minerals with watery chocolate. I am getting a tingle of energy, like getting a big hug with a big blanket and I want to nap.
Comments
Kuura’s 2021 Metamaterial is a solid, no fuss, comfort food shou with excellent thick texture piled with natural sweetness. I wanna snuggle up in blankets, knit a thick cabled sweater, and drink more Metamaterial. If you love sweet ripe puer this is a great tea to try. Overall, Kuura has an excellent thick texture in all their teas.
Getting Kuura teas from Softer Drink was a pleasant experience too. Softer Drink is in Victoria, Canada, which is pretty close to me, so shipping was very fast and economical.
