2009 Dayi 901 7542 Raw Pu'er Cake – The "Sapphire"

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TSH says:

901 Dayi 7542 Raw Pu'er Cake – The "Sapphire"

Product Overview

The 901 batch of 7542 is affectionately known as the "Sapphire" by tea friends because its packaging uses a dark navy-blue cotton paper, giving it a deep and stable color tone. Both the raw material grade and quality have been meticulously selected, resulting in exceptional tea material (*chá jīng*).

The production process has reverted to the style of the former Menghai Tea Factory 7542 recipe, returning to the traditional bamboo shoot shell packaging and abandoning the kraft paper tube form of 2008, thus embracing the simple, authentic style of the old Menghai Tea Factory.

The dry tea leaves are dark and moist, displaying golden down (*jīnháo*). Once brewed, the tea liquor is clear, bright orange-yellow, and the classic *chénxiāng* (aged aroma) wafts out immediately.

Tasting Experience: Layers of Flavor and Aging Potential

1. Tea Liquor and Aroma

• The tea liquor is honey-yellow and lustrous, with high clarity. The initial steepings release a rich floral and fruity fragrance, accompanied by a fresh woody aroma characteristic of *gāncāng* (dry storage).
• In the middle and later stages, the aroma gradually transforms into a plum *yun* (rhyme/charm) mixed with a delicate honey sweetness, displaying rich complexity.

2. Mouthfeel Performance

• Early Steeps (1-3): The entry is sweet, refreshing, and mellow. The body of the soup is full and thick, stimulating immediate *shēngjīn* (saliva production). There is a slight astringency on the tongue that dissipates quickly.
• Middle Steeps (4-6): The flavor is balanced and coordinated. Plum-like sour *yun* interweaves with rock sugar sweetness. A significant *hóuyùn* (throat finish/aftertaste) and cooling sensation are evident.
• Tail Steeps (7-10): The tea *cháxìng* (character) gradually softens, the water flow is delicate, and the *huígān* (returning sweetness) is prolonged, showcasing the vitality of the spent leaves.

3. Spent Leaves and Durability

The *yèdǐ* (spent leaves) are thick and soft, displaying a yellowish-brown color, and unfurl vividly after brewing. The tea is highly durable, lasting 12 or more infusions, with the sweetness remaining clear in the tail steeps, confirming the excellent inherent quality of the raw material.

Conclusion

The most commendable aspect of drinking the 901 7542 is its richly layered mouthfeel. The *chénxiāng* (aged aroma) is just beginning to emerge, interwoven with honey fragrance, and subtly carrying a faint smokiness. The tea liquor is full and smooth on entry, the *huígān* (returning sweetness) and *shēngjīn* (saliva production) are long-lasting, and the *hóuyùn* (throat finish) is deep, perfectly illustrating the balanced beauty of mid-aged Pu'er.

The 901 batch 7542 "Sapphire" is publicly recognized in the market as the successor to the quality of the 501 'White Paper Strip' 7542 and is the leader among Dayi's later 7542 productions. It is truly worthy of collection and appreciation.