Gongting Yong Zhen Shu Pu-erh (Palace Brick from Lincang) — 250g

Gongting Yong Zhen Shu Pu-erh is a classic 250-gram tea brick from the well-known Xinxing Tea Factory under the Yong Zhen brand from the Lincang tea region (Yunde County, Yunnan Province). The recipe relies on "Gongting" (Palace) grade raw material, distinguished by a high content of tiny golden buds. The combination of Lincang's distinct terroir and delicate palace raw material yields a deep, rich flavor and rapid extraction.

Taste and Aroma

Thanks to the small bud size, this Shu Pu-erh delivers a very thick and velvety infusion right from the first seconds of brewing:

• Aroma: warm, distinctly woody, with notes of roasted nut, dark cocoa, dry forest moss, and aged bark.
• Taste: smooth, buttery, and dense. Dark chocolate, walnut, and spicy wooden notes dominate the profile. Bitterness is completely absent, and the aftertaste leaves a pleasant, clean sweetness.
• Infusion color: deep, opaque, dark burgundy with a ruby glow in the light.

Special Features

The pressed brick is one of the oldest and most convenient formats for storing pu-erh, traditionally used for transport along the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the Silk Road.

The high concentration of "Gongting" tea buds provides an immediate and distinct tonifying effect, delivering a gentle surge of energy and sharpening focus.

The Lincang tea region is famous for its clean and distinct flavor profile. This Shu Pu-erh is perfect both for an invigorating morning wake-up and for restoring energy in the middle of a workday.

Brewing

Due to dense pressing and fine raw materials, the tea requires preheated teaware and boiling water:

1. Portion: Use a pu-erh knife or needle to separate about 6–8 grams of tea per 150–200 ml of water.
2. Water: Use purified soft water brought to a rolling boil (95–98°C).
3. Rinsing: Pour hot water over the tea for 7–10 seconds and discard it completely to rinse and "awaken" the pressed leaf.
4. Steeping: Keep the initial infusions short (20–30 seconds), gradually increasing the steeping time by 10–15 seconds with each subsequent pour. The brick easily withstands 6–8 rich infusions.