Wise words Michael and I do stand chastised. I did understate the Pu'er
position - in my simplistic way I was seeking to play down the importance of
season here, compared with, say, a good Longjing where even a couple of
weeks can make a noticeable difference. I certainly agree that a good early
season Pu'er is a fine thing, but an early Pu'er that's been poorly
processed and stored can be a whole lot worse than a late one that's been
properly looked after. All part of the fun and mystique of Pu'er.

howlerman


"Michael Plant" wrote in message
...
Howler,

I would be remiss if I were not to point out that the base tea from which
the Pu-erh is produced counts for a lot in the final product's taste and
style. Good base tea ultimately yields a good tasting tea. Since the base
leaves will differ from season to season, the season the leaves are picked
does in fact influence the quality of the Pu-erh you drink. This I know
from
tasting experience. As for Jasmine, I can say little.

Michael


10/28/04


Quite right. Just to confuse things, Jasmine scented teas and Pu'ers
s******
at seasons. Most Pu'ers benefit from aging so the subleties of seasonal
picking are immaterial. The tea for Jasmine scented types is usually
picked
in spring, but has to sit and wait for the Jasmine blossoms in the
autumn,
so the tea starts in spring, but isn't finished until later.

howlerman