Hidden Stream Sheng Puer 2024

Hidden Stream Sheng Pu-erh – Spring 2024

A high-mountain sheng pu-erh from near the northern range of the Jingmai region, with a delicately floral, honey-sweet, and refreshingly clean character.
The aroma offers spring pollen and honeydew, while the palate delivers a lively, "zesty" freshness, berry nuances, and a hint of tobacco; the finish is long and clean.

Origin & Processing

• Growing Region: Yunnan, Jingmai Mountain area, northern highlands (1900–2100 m)
• Environment: Cool, high-mountain climate; low pest pressure – therefore minimal intervention, plantations easily managed even without pesticides
• Tree Stock: The finest, unpruned (allowed to grow tall) trees in the gardens for better leaf quality, despite lower yields
• Harvest: Early spring, hand-picked
• Processing: Sheng (raw) pu-erh – wilting, wok-frying (sha qing), hand-rolling, slow drying, then pressing

Note: The high altitude and cooler weather result in slower growth and a cleaner aroma profile; lesser-known plots often provide surprisingly good value. In selecting the raw material, avoiding pruning and excessive fertilization were key factors in improving leaf quality.

Flavor Profile

• Aroma: Spring pollen, honeydew, slight green herb
• Palate: Fresh, lively "zest," honeyed sweetness, delicate berry (forest fruit) notes
• Aftertaste: Clean, long-lasting sweetness, a hint of tobacco/tea tree bark undertone
• Texture: Silky, focused
• Energy: Alert, clear, "spring" lightness

Why we love it?

• Everyday companion, yet characterful: fresh and zesty, floral, but without intrusive bitterness.
• Clean raw material from a cool, high-mountain climate, with minimal intervention.
• Good value from a lesser-known plot – a surprisingly complex tea.

Preparation Guide

Asian (Gongfu) Method

• Tea/water: 5 g / 100 ml
• Water: 95–98 °C
• Infusions: Quick rinse (optional), then 10–12 s → 12–15 s → 18–22 s, then gradually extend (10+ infusions)
• Tip: If you prefer more floral notes, start at 92–94 °C; for more "zest," go up to 98 °C.

Western Method

• Tea/water: 2.5–3 g / 250 ml
• Water: 92–96 °C
• Time: 2–3 minutes; 1–2 shorter subsequent infusions are possible

Cold Brew

• Tea/water: 8–10 g / 1 liter
• Time: 6–10 hours in the refrigerator
• Result: Crystal clear, honey-sweet, slightly berry-like cup, without astringency.

Pairing & Occasion

• Occasion: Everyday "daily tea," but also beautifully layered with careful gongfu brewing.
• Pairing: Plain nuts, slightly salty biscuits, fresh goat cheese – all highlight the honey-floral notes.