2015 Zi Dayi ("Purple Dayi") Raw Puerh
The Purple Dayi is a special release from Dayi (aka Menghai Tea Factory), not part of their regular annual lineup. It's an homage to the original 1996 Zi Dayi, a historically significant cake that marked the debut of the Dayi brand name (previously, the factory used the state-run CNNP's Zhong Cha logo). That '96 original is now a serious collector's item. The 2015 version uses early spring arbor leaf from high-elevation Menghai county, reportedly with some Bulang material in the blend.
The wet leaf carries a light smokiness. In the cup: sweet plum notes come through immediately and linger, backed by light smoke, a touch of raw wood, and leather. The texture is silky, with plenty of presence and personality but nothing harsh or rough. Everything feels extremely well-integrated for its age. Absolutely delicious right now, and a fantastic candidate for further aging.
357g cake, natural Taiwan storage till early 2025. Some of the wrappers have some light tearing, but they're in pretty decent shape.
$ 14.00 - $ 160.00