2024 Autumn Sonata Jingmai Sheng Puerh

For those who prefer a mellower, sweeter raw puerh experience, the 2024 Autumn Sonata Jingmai Sheng Puerh (景迈生普洱) is a perfect choice. This tea offers a balanced profile, smooth texture, and refined, mellow sweetness that stands apart from the more vibrant spring harvests, making it an excellent introduction to raw puerh or a delightful alternative for seasoned drinkers seeking something gentler while maintaining that Jingmai puerh complexity.

Jingmai Mountain, located in Yunnan Province, is a treasure trove of ancient tea gardens that have been cultivated for centuries. The region’s subtropical climate, abundant rainfall, fertile soil, and high-altitude environment (approximately 1,400 meters) create the perfect conditions for nurturing exceptional ancient tea trees that produce equally exceptional teas. This 2024 Autumn Sonata Jingmai Sheng Puerh comes from one of these ancient trees, which is why this puerh can be so sweet with such complexity.

Many people mistakenly believe that new harvest raw puer tea is bitter and leaves a dry mouthfeel. However, this tea effortlessly disproves both myths. From the first sip, it offers a delightful sweetness, followed by an incredibly smooth and lasting aftertaste.

Compared to the bold and vibrant flavors of spring-harvested Pu-erh, the autumn harvest offers a gentler, more approachable character. Autumn teas are known for their milder aromas, balanced flavors, and softer textures. The 2024 Autumn Sonata Jingmai Sheng Pu-erh exemplifies this with its delicate floral notes, restrained astringency, and lingering sweetness, making it an excellent option for immediate enjoyment or long-term aging.

This tea’s versatility shines through its adaptability to different brewing temperatures:

When brewed at a lower temperature 195°F (90°C), the tea reveals a strawberry jam-like aroma with bursts of floral sweetness and a touch of woodiness. Its thick, silky texture coats the tongue, leaving a soothing sensation in the throat. The floral aftertaste carries a muscat grape-like sweetness that lingers. This brewing method highlights the tea’s soft and sweet characteristics, ideal for those who prefer gentler flavors.

Brewing at a higher temperature 204°F (96°C) shifts the focus to complexity and depth. The sweetness evolves into richer notes of dried or baked strawberries, complemented by a lingering floral orchid finish. The tea also delivers a cooling sensation in the chest and a more pronounced woodiness, offering a layered and satisfying experience for seasoned Pu-erh enthusiasts.

Brewing Instructions Gongfu Style:

Brewing at 195°F (90°C): Use 5 grams of tea leaves in a 90ml Gaiwan. Rinse quickly, then steep for 8-10 seconds for the first infusion. For subsequent infusions, steep for 3-5 seconds. Gradually increase steeping time by 1-2 seconds after the 7th infusion. Enjoy up to 20-22 infusions.

Brewing at 204°F (96°C): Use 5 grams of tea leaves in a 90ml Gaiwan. Rinse quickly, then steep for 5 seconds for the first infusion. For subsequent infusions, steep for 1-2 seconds. Gradually increase steeping time after the 7th infusion. Enjoy up to 20-22 infusions.

The 2024 Autumn Sonata Jingmai Sheng Pu-erh offers an exquisite balance of floral fragrance, restrained astringency, and subtle sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a mellow and approachable raw Pu-erh. With limited production from ancient tea trees and meticulous harvesting, this tea is a true gem, providing a delightful experience in every sip. Whether you prefer its sweet and silky profile or its deeper complexity, this Jingmai Sheng Pu-erh promises a versatile and satisfying journey.