Teaism Pu'er Tuo Cha (review)

Name: Teaism Pu’er Tuo Cha

Brand: Teaism

Type: Aged pu’er tea

Form: Nest

Cost: $5 for 2 ounces

Review: I have a strong liking for Pu’er teas: I like that they are so strong and funky tasting, and I get particular kicks out of showing people the almost-black tea and explaining that it is not coffee, but an aged, fermented tea. Pu’er gives me a good, but smooth “kick”, which is fun, and I particularly like the cakes and shapes into which pu’er is often pressed.

During the first two infusions of Teaism Pu’er, the liquor is dark, dark brown: Dark as coffee. Nose is very earthy and savory. The taste is slightly meaty and woody, not bitter, with noticeable astringency at the finish.  By the third infusion, this tea takes on a lighter color and the flavor begins to reveal dark honey notes.  The the astringency also becomes more pronounced, taking on a methol-like quality.  Intriguing.

Recommendations: Fans of pu’er tuo cha should like this complex and inexpensive tea. It may, however, be a bit too extreme for those who like very mild teas or who are new to tea drinking.

Incidentally, the leaves hold up pretty well, but by the fourth infusion they start to break up into dust which can slip through strainers. If you want to keep the dust out of your tea, use a double strainer, though I’d note that this is an aesthetic preference. The taste of the tea is not affected by the presence of dust.

I’d also note that some tea lovers suggest that pu’er is a good coffee substitute: I disagree. Yes, the color is similar to that of coffee, but the flavor is very different. I’d instead recommend  a hojicha or dark oolong to curb coffee cravings.

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Tagged as: pu'ehr, pu'er, pu'erh, tea, tea reviews, Teaism, tuo cha