Puerh Junky’s Spring 2021 Report
Puerh Junky’s Spring 2021 Report
I was chatting with a friend the other day and he informed me that the Western vendors are all offering free shipping till the new tea arrives. I guess that’s a pretty big deal if you’re shipping from Mainland. My offerings are here in Los Angeles, so that’s not much of an issue for American buyers who get free shipping on orders larger than $75.
I guess it’s some way to stir excitement over offerings from the spring picking. New tea is really not the Puerh Junky’s thing. There’s so much older tea that hasn’t been hoarded to discover that not only meets the standard but also still presents comparatively greater value. But, these gems are disappearing apace.
Over the past five years factories have progressively been restricting their sales to preferred vendors. Some factories, like the maker of the Jingmai “003”, have already disappeared, except for their flagship site. The same has essentially happened with GPE. Many of the Puerh Junky’s preferred vendors have vanished or moved into more obscure brands from famous regions and greatly scaled back their offerings.
Observing this trend, the Puerh Junky has also had to adapt. Since Nov ’20, I’ve primarily focused on re-upping on exceptional treasures while they’re still available. Along the way, unfamiliar productions from well-known factories have been acquired, in addition to virtual unknowns from trusted vendors. As this project has evolved, thematic productions have taken a back burner, though I continue to be tempted by a sexy wrapper. I still love a good wrapper, but focus has mostly settled into familiar productions and factories.
’06 Old Geezers Ripe
As far as themes go, it is clear that 6FTM is becoming a theme unto itself. Productions from their early years are particularly interesting from a collecting point of view, especially before their brand identity solidified. Some of these will be listed in the coming year.
Breaking the Mold
“Breaking the Mold” is probably not the best turn of phrase when talking about puerh, but alas I’m breaking from my standard practice of holding offerings for six months before listing. Some productions are ready now and there’s little point in having them lazing about in LA when there’s work to be done in Brockton, Bethesda, and Boise. There’s a bevy of ripes that are already quite good. Many have already been snatched up by insiders who rely upon his junkifiedness for the hook up. Still, some of these have yet to be spoken for.
’06 Nannuo, LME
Here’s were a digression into the junkisophical must be indulged: price is no reflection of quality. Quality factors less than reputation and collectability. Naturally, these are not altogether independent variables. The Puerh Junky provides a range of reputations and collectability, while never sacrificing quality. Sometimes quality is difficult to discern, but where it’s immediately apparent, fellow junk… er enthusiasts should not be deprived.
Puerh Junky’s Collection and Stash
Let’s call the Collection that which is listed and the Stash that which is not. As for the Collection, most treasures number but a few. Chances of re-upping depend on availability and price. If you need to score a tong then you need to contact me directly. Otherwise, if something strikes your fancy, it’s best not to dally.
The Stash consists of productions that have yet to graduate. They are “aging.” The Stash also has treasures that sold out or sky rocketed in price. These were trial purchases, testing either vendor or production. Sometimes prices jump even before arriving. This especially happens around the lunar new year. Be it availability or price, these treasures end up orphans until lightening strikes or, in a fit of junkydom, I break down and pay what they’re asking. This process can take years. How sublime it would be for these orphans to join the Collection, but for most this simply will not happen.
Hoping and Praying
Puerh Orphan Sample Annie
If you think I’m breaking up these cakes, then you’ve been drinking to much! In a grand gesture of junkaciousness, however, I can part with a few samples from my own cake. We’ll call these Orphan Samples. They’ll be arranged in interesting sets unified by a theme like year, factory, or region; I’ll confabulate something. If a treasure from the set appeals to you, you may directly inquire further about availability. Orphan Samples are identical to regular samples, i.e., 15g, except very few are being offered, and the specific intent is to find a home for orphan cakes, as opposed to providing general edification and enjoyment. Since you’ll have sampled for yourself, there is zero need to leave anything to question about quality or personal appeal.
Final Word
A final word of thanks for reading and enjoying these missives, however epi- and rhapsodic. In the coming weeks, beyond new listings, be on the lookout for blog postings on the back story of some of the more vaunted factories offering these treasures. I understand that the world of Chinese puerh factories is enigmatic for those with limited access to Chinese. Nonetheless, arming yourself with a bit of context provides at least of modicum of rationale for being the Puerh Junky that you are.
