2019 Sheng Olympiad

The 2019 Sheng Olympiad is almost here and while there was speculation that it may not happen due to my called off wedding and other life events, here we are... the even is a little bit smaller this year but that means it's also not as expensive!

Each year has had a theme and this year is no different, but it would be hard to notice if you didn't know what was going on. With a year that had a lot of complications, it was the connection to everyone that helped me learn and grow through this all so this is the international year... but with puerh how is that possible? Well, you'll see below : )

Japan: 15g 2018 Wild Da Xue Shan maocha from Hojo
Much respect for Akira Hojo... if this name is new to you, I highly suggest checking out the blog as well as the unique offerings that come up yearly. This maocha was prebought and is now sold out as part of the presale events that are held almost every other month.

USA: 16g 2018 Wildwood maocha from Crimson Lotus Tea
With the growing presence of puerh in North America (Canada you count too!) there's no doubt I'm a fan of CLT and they've been part of the Olympiad before for many reasons. This will give the opportunity to compare the maocha to the cake which will be a fun vertical tasting.

Malaysia: 16g 2008 Guang Bie Lao Zhai from Huang Chuan Fang
Still new to Huang Chuan Fang... but these cakes have been stored in Malaysia for 10 years. This makes it the only aged sheng in the Olympiad this year.

Taiwan: 16g 2018 Yibi from BiYunHao
As many have seen specific farmers partnering up with shops in the US to sell their oolong ect, it is no different with puerh. While I have extensive purchasesin the Taiwanese puerh market this is a brand that I have decided to step away from. This will offer a unique session as an upgrade from the typical material you find in a daily drinking cake because... well, to be honest this cake is inexpensive.

China: 12g 2018 Year of the Dog from Bitter Leaf Teas
I'm not sure if I can call BLT the China connection here or not because they seem to just be all over :p, but it shall do.

So there we are... puerh is not just something being drank in Yunnan (China)! Now I didn't leave places like Russia out on purpose or anything, I simply worked with what I had and I really hope this selection comes through as nicely as I believe it will. Just trying to bring people together while getting access to some great sessions that are not only hard to get, or possibly not there anymore, while at a great cost in one location. All the online platforms seem to light up with excitement that turns into an exchange of photos and information as people start to dig in... the Sheng Olympiad is one of my favorite things still because I see joy as people make new friends while connecting online through this event, may it continue year over year with the same goal : )

*Ships December 1st 2018*

**Shipping is in test mode this year $4 flat US and $8 flat worldwide (aka I pay the extra!)**