Dayi 7572 Shou Pu Erh Tea Vintage 2012

Description

Dayi 7572 Shou Pu Erh Tea Vintage 2013

The Dayi 7572 Shou Pu Erh Vintage 2012 is the signature ripened (“shou”) Pu Erh tea from the renowned Menghai Tea Factory in Yunnan. The 150g bing (“cake”) displays a compact leaf structure of dark brown, uniformly processed leaves with golden-brown tips, exuding the typical aroma of mature Menghai Shou Pu Erh. Its deep mahogany infusion indicates the meticulously controlled fermentation process. On the palate, it impresses with a smooth, well-rounded blend of earthy and woody notes, mild hints of cocoa and malt, and a gentle sweetness that lingers in the finish. The supple texture and pronounced balance make it a prime example of high-quality, classically produced Shou Pu Erh Tea.

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Preparation – Gong Fu

Rinse the leaves briefly with hot water at first. Then steep 5-7g of tea in 100-120ml of water at 95-100°C for a short time, starting at 10-15 seconds. Gradually increase the steeping time for subsequent infusions.

This method highlights texture, depth, and subtle sweetness. It allows many short, expressive infusions with a clear progression of flavor.

Preparation – Western Approach

Infuse 3-4g of tea leaves in 250-300ml of water at 95-100°C for 2.5-4 minutes. Then increase the steeping time by 1-2 minutes for each of up to two subsequent infusions.

This method yields a smooth, full-bodied, comforting cup with mild earthy notes and a gentle sweetness.

What is Pu Erh Tea?

Pu Erh tea is a unique Yunnan tea specialty characterized by a microbial fermentation process. The basis for this is provided by tea leaves from Yunnan’s native large-leaf tea tree varieties (“Mao-Cha”), initially processed as green tea. Together, this basis and the fermentation process are responsible for the tea’s unmistakable earthy note on the one hand. On the other hand, they enable a continuous development of taste during storage. Pu Erh’s ability to become more complex, multi-layered and balanced over the years is particularly valued. The tradition of pressing the Mao-Cha in cake or brick form makes it easier to store and transport the tea. Also, the pressed form supports the ripening process and thus contributes to the special taste characteristics of this tea.

Shou and Sheng – Ripened and Unripened Pu Erh Tea

Pu Erh tea comes in two primary forms: Sheng (raw) and Shou (ripened). Sheng Pu Erh is the traditional form, where the tea naturally ferments over time, allowing its flavors to mature gradually. In contrast, Shou Pu Erh – such as the Dayi 7572 – undergoes an accelerated fermentation process, resulting in a darker, smoother tea with earthy and mellow notes. Both types offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences and occasions.

Yunnan Pu Erh “Factory Teas”

The term “Factory Teas” refers to the Pu Erh teas from the large tea factories in Yunnan, such as Menghai, Xiaguan or Kunming. These factories has been playing a crucial role in shaping Yunnan’s Pu Erh tea history. In addition, they significantly contribute to preserving Yunnan’s traditional processing techniques. Their products are often signified with codes that provide information about the recipe, the year of production and the leaf quality. The associated teas stand for reliability and authenticity, which makes them popular with both beginners and connoisseurs.

Menghai Tea Factory (Dayi, TaeTea)

Menghai Tea Factory, also known as Dayi or TaeTea, is one of Yunnan’s oldest and most prestigious Pu Erh tea producers. Established in 1940, the factory sources its tea leaves from the prime tea-growing regions of Xishuangbanna. This includes areas like Menghai and Mengsong, known for their centuries-old tea trees. The historical factory is well-known for its iconic recipes, including the 7572 Shou Pu Erh. At this, the code ‘7572’ hints at a set of specific features: ‘75’ signifies the year the recipe was developed, ‘7’ indicates the leaf grade, and ‘2’ represents the factory’s historical “No. 2” classification. The “Dayi” brand enjoys a long-standing reputation for quality and tradition, making their teas a benchmark for both novice and seasoned Pu Erh drinkers.