1998 Xia Guan Xiao Fa Tuo (銷法沱) Cha (Export France)

Thanks to R2 for the sample!

7.0g, 100 mL duanni, Brita filtered tap.

Dry smell very clean, a sweet wood and bread-y aspect.
2×15s rinse (maybe overkill?).

Initially very clean slight bitter medicinal, with slight spiced black pepper note in taste. Really good mouthfeel, bit of cooling + sweetness in aftertaste.

2nd steep had some throatfeel, not as complex in taste, but slightly more creamy.

Occasionally a sweet metallic or caramel hint. Afterwards is consistent, mostly a sweet soft woody base, and the dried jujube profile sometimes in taste and aftertaste. Some salivating effect. Very comforting, even though didn’t seem terribly warming.

Steeps of varying times, but did 8 steeps before moving to thermos since it was getting late. Really enjoyed this, and would consider picking up a few from Sandy of SThirtyTea if I had extra space and cash. At S30’s .65/g price (keep in mind: pre-currency exchange fees, etc. though, because I tend to forget about those and get blindsided last minute by how ridiculous PayPal rates are), I think it’s a fair enough deal given the age. It does not appear to be a steal, and I’m not really inclined to run to buy it. I also have not tried enough aged shou to judge value well, but based on this session, I would be unwilling to pay the Jade Leaf price of ~.95/g or Camellia Sinensis’ ~$1.17/g (not sure if this one is different material though since loose leaf?) for this.