茶喝古樹 酒喝老藤
三千年原生古樹茶之初體驗
緣份真奇妙，去年遇貴人教我如何欣賞原生茶。所謂原生是指茶樹從種子開始，無人為干預在原地生長直至高大茁壯。茶樹越老，出產的茶葉越多礦物和微量原素，對人體也越有益。古樹喬木出的茶更是純淨可貴。
究竟古樹有多古？坊間有說三百年已可稱為古樹。出產的茶不論緊壓或散茶都價值不菲，但仍付擔得起。有些老行專告訴我不上千年也不能體會古樹的好處。最老的古樹有多老？按參考書上說：四川和雲南交界處有三千年以上的古茶。正因為此，印度丶錫蘭丶雲南丶貴州丶四川爭相認為自己是茶之發源地，使得四川說最有説服力。
喝三千年古樹茶，有點像做夢。市面印級號級七子茶餅已炒至天價，卑人窮風流餓快活、怎敢妄想。造物就是愛弄人，偏偏我這皇帝頭乞兒身，儍人有儍福；一位十分關照我的前輩，讓我有機會嚐到3200年原生古樹茶1985的青餅。大喜！
第一泡有南棗香，馬上感覺到茶氣。頸骨放鬆了。第二泡蘭香宛若，一股暧流沿脊髓而下到尾龍骨。第三泡青梅香現，指縫冒汗，第四泡腋窩也冒汗了。喝了二十多泡，沒有水味，但香味隱約。前輩用龍印生鐡老壺煮之，呈一股天然麥米蜜糖香。妙不可言！
我的茶路和酒路相似；入門追名莊，愛雕琢的茶，慢慢才發現純真之可貴。原生茶尤如生物動力學酒；味蕾如果已習慣主流風格，或許會嫌它淡。但那份淡雅那份渾然天成的細緻，卻引人入勝。
好東西是要與同好分享的。十一月十六日將在一中午，舉行古樹茶聚。場地待定，費用約每位HKD998+10%。坐位有限，有興趣者請PM我。
Old Vines vs Ancient Tea Tree
Tasting Puer Tea from 3200 Year Old Tea Tree
Serendipity is amazing. Last year I came across a friend who has been very kind and taught me how to appreciate tea from Native plant tree. The definition of native plant tree means that tree indigenous to a given area in geological time. This includes plants that have developed, occurred naturally, or existed for many years in an area. The older the tea tree, the more minerals and micro elements it contains; and more beneficial to well-being. Tea from ancient Native Plant tree is very pure and precious.
How old is an ancient tree? Many says you may call it ancient if the tree is more than 300 years old. No matter making pressed tea or loose tea, it is very valuable, yet still affordable. Some very senior insiders tell me that if the tree is less than 1000 year old, you cannot tell how good it is. So how old is a living ancient tree? According to the reference books, between Sichuan and Yunnan, there are living tea trees of more than 3000 year old. Because of this, the theory of Sichuan is the origin of tea is more reliable when places like Sri Lanka, India, Guizhou and Yunnan claimed themselves as the motherland of tea tree.
While famous brand tea is now speculated to an unaffordable price, tasting ancient tree tea sounds dreamy. It is a fantasy for humble white-collar like me. With a kiss from the Lady Fortune, a very good friend shared with me her collection of vintage 1985 Puer pressed tea from 3200 years old tree. How awesome!
The first infusion smelt South Jujube. I felt the Qi Immediately and my neck bone relaxed. For the second infusion, it smelt very subtle orchid and I felt a stream of energy flow through my spine. For the 3rd infusion, aroma of green plume appeared and my fingers started to sweat. My arm pit sweated as well for the 4th infusion. After around 20 something brews, the flavor was becoming weak. My friend simmered it with a Japanese Dragon Seal iron kettle, it offered toasted wheat and honey aromas. It is fascinating.
My pathway of tea and wine is quite similar. When I started, I sought for famous producers which are more crafted. As I learned more, I realized the precious of pureness. Like biodynamic wine, Native planted tree tea will be interpreted as very light if one’s taste buds have got use to the style of mainstream products. However, the serenity and natural subtlety is very inviting.
Goodies are meant to be shared with good friends. On 16 November noon, I am hosting a Ancient Tree Tea Party on HK Island. Venue to be confirmed. Cost per head is around HKD 998 +10%. Interested party please PM me.
