0840 * Li Ming Octagonal Pavilion Pu-erh Tea Cake 2008 357g Raw

The smell of the wet leaves of this tea might be a little off-putting. It is earthy, ripe pu-erh-like, could be called moldy even. I guess this tea has been stored very wet, also judging the color of the brew: it is pretty dark for a 10-year-old raw. Also the wrapper has some tiny holes and somewhat coloured spots. Some of the storage aroma is also present in the brew, however I did not find it very off-putting, mainly because the tea is good. It is fruity, lively and soft and has a nice sweet astringency going on. I guess perhaps some airing-out will make this one even better, but I can also well enjoy it just like this.