1998 Aged Dong Ding
The dry leaves in a hot gaiwan give off a very unique smell that I've come to think of as 'soda' or 'seltzer'. I don't know exactly how to describe it, other than it has a distinctive minerally quality that is almost effervescent. I've only ever tasted it in aged teas that were initially roasted fairly dark but were never re-roasted. This is a good example of that. It was originally charcoal roasted to about the level I do a Noah's Dong Ding, getting the tea very dry so that as it aged it never developed those unpleasant sour tastes. It does have a tartness - a hallmark of aged oolong - but it is a pleasant tartness that stimulates salivation and is also not overwhelming.
The tea is very mild and clean tasting, owning a zen-like character that I find very appealing in aged tea. It reminds me of a river rock the way you see it through clear running water. What I mean is the roasting and the aging have pealed away the unnecessary layers to reveal a quiet, solid nature at the center of the tea. More poetically, the waters of time have smoothed away the hard edges - that sounds more like a stone! Qi has a sinking quality and a warmth to it that gives you a good sweat.
A lovely little aged Dong Ding. It's rare to find Dong Ding like this, that's still in tact. It was well taken care of from its inception, and the tea sessions you have with it makes that clear. It is mellow and easygoing tea with a grounded, warming energy.
Facts
- Harvest Location : Dong Ding, Nantou County, Taiwan
- Harvest/Roast Date : 1998
- Cultivar : Ruan Zhi Oolong