Did me a little compare/contrast session between the 2021 and 2022 Slumbering Dragon releases from Crimson Lotus.
My first sip was of the 2021, and it got me very excited — apple and apricot with what promised to be a robust backbone for exploration throughout the session. The 2022 was rather shockingly bitter — bitterness that formed an “E” laid down around the back of my palate and just flipped me the bird each pour.
The 2022 persisted with attitude; the 2021 slowly progressed through a coffee-like bottom note and then joined the bitter game.
Mouthfeel is luxurious in both; qi is gentle, positive and buzzy.
I am logically positive, having done my research like a good little tea nerd, that these teas will be tasty-fabulous in 10 years. But do I trust that with my palate, only a couple years into my puerh journey? Nope, nope I don’t. Which means I don’t stock up now and pay through the nose when things get good. Sigh.
Heeeeeeey! Welcome back!