I have a small Spring 2004 Mengku Rongshi Green Label Beeng Cha. There is
a similar 2005 version on ebay from Yunnan LLC. The commentary of the latter
suggests the 2005 version is good for aging. Sticky label on back of my cake
says 'Packing Date Spring 2004 - Fine Grade'

Got it as a freebee. I was informed by the vendor that it 'was probably not
good to drink yet', so I haven't !

I realise good aging is based on a large number of variables - but assuming
all were optimum - what would be the expected aging potential of this tea ?

TIA

Mal
Oz

On Mar 20, 7:45 pm, "Mal from Oz" > wrote:
> I have a small Spring 2004 Mengku Rongshi Green Label Beeng Cha. There is
> a similar 2005 version on ebay from Yunnan LLC. The commentary of the latter
> suggests the 2005 version is good for aging. Sticky label on back of my cake
> says 'Packing Date Spring 2004 - Fine Grade'
>
> Got it as a freebee. I was informed by the vendor that it 'was probably not
> good to drink yet', so I haven't !
>
> I realise good aging is based on a large number of variables - but assuming
> all were optimum - what would be the expected aging potential of this tea ?
>
> TIA
>
> Mal
> Oz

In general I think Mengku cakes are reasonable teas, especially for
the price they command (can't say it for some of their newer products
though). They might not age into something stellar, but they are
generally not bad. The ones I've had that are in the 5-6 years range
show good promise of things to come.

They do age in a different sort of way than the ones from the six
mountains... different flavour profiles.

MarshalN
http://www.xanga.com/MarshalN

On Mar 20, 7:45 pm, "Mal from Oz" > wrote:
> I have a small Spring 2004 Mengku Rongshi Green Label Beeng Cha. There is
> a similar 2005 version on ebay from Yunnan LLC. The commentary of the latter
> suggests the 2005 version is good for aging. Sticky label on back of my cake
> says 'Packing Date Spring 2004 - Fine Grade'
>
> Got it as a freebee. I was informed by the vendor that it 'was probably not
> good to drink yet', so I haven't !
>
> I realise good aging is based on a large number of variables - but assuming
> all were optimum - what would be the expected aging potential of this tea ?
>
> TIA
>
> Mal
> Oz

I bought a whole bunch of mengku 2006 spring sheng. The reason being
was because it's some of the best quality tea leaf I saw of 2006. The
Menghai is becoming so stupidly overpriced, even new, so most people
are going after the not as popular teas. The stuff I have is big
leaf, and it's actually pretty good to drink now, if you like to
analyze the taste of new sheng.

They have done some good work despite the fact they are a relatively
new factory.