Puerh Junky is aware of at least two types of smoke productions that are exact opposites. One type starts smoky and fades to fruit. The other type starts benign and slowly develops a strong smoke character. The latter type does not seem to be smoky by design judging from the reactions of some blogsters far more experienced with the mysteries of puerh than the Puerh Junky. Nonetheless, the “into smoke” phenomenon though perhaps not predictable is commonplace given the unpredictable transformation trajectories of puerh as a whole. That said if there’s one thing about the Smoky Class of raw puerhs, it’s that they’re sweet. The most plausible explanation for why points to processing’s effect on the development of sugars. Beyond sugar is a palate of flavours, intensity, and storage accents. Enjoy.
’10 Lapsang’s Legacy
Dense, sweet, and camphory, Lapsang’s Legacy captivates the senses with a delightful dance of earthy undertones and invigorating camphor essence. Humid-stored note adds a savory balance to the overall composition. In LA since summer ’23.
’09 Frisson Head Rush
Sweet ash and charcoal. Bitter balance. Velvet texture fills mouth. Lasting impressions. Heady, numbing tea drunk. Banzhang and Laoman’e material from 1700m elevation. Stored in LA since Nov ’23. No humidity. Made by one of the Five Flowers of Menghai Tea Factory, Du Qiong-zhi. In LA since Nov ’23.
’07 Poison
A zesty glory, a real camphor forward treasure with undertones of woody mesquite char and peat, with touches of bitterness to balance all that sugar. Unique 6FTM offering. Stored in Los Angeles since Jul ’20.
’06 Cam-fire
Camphor plus fire. Oily slick broth with benodyne aroma and sneaky mushroom notes. Sweet, tingly, thick mouthfeel. Nannuo wild big tree, no astringency with the trademark Nannuo bitter accents. Trailblazing independent factory founded in early 80s, Fuhai. Stored Fuzhou originally, in LA since Mar ’22.
’06 Cinnamon Beauty
Mouth-cooling sensation of red hots follows luxurious cinnamon liquor that coats the mouth, tongue, and teeth. Relaxing. Wild big-leaf variety Nannuo material. Trailblazing independent factory founded in early 80s, Fuhai. Stored in LA since Jan ’24.
’05 Complex Expressions
Peeling beyond upfront smoke-ash opens to Complex Expressions: Honey Smacks cereal, wild chrysanthemum, caramelized carrot, celery, and Swiss chard. From Mme. Du Qiong-zhi’s, one of the Five Flowers of Menghai TF. Stored since Nov ’23.
