Many thanks to AllanK for the steeping tips! This one turned out much better than my previous attempt at pu’er. I did the rinse, then a 30 sec. steep, a 15 sec. steep, and then 30 sec. again., and every time it seemed to gain a bit of flavor, so I’ll probably try a few more steeps later.
The predominant note in this was earthiness; I gather that is a common trait of pu’erhs. It also has a light touch of cloves. A pleasant tea for fall sipping, and far better than the spice bonanza teas I keep getting in the mail as free samples. I guess that’s the hazard you run of ordering tea in autumn.