When I brew this tea I don't break apart the cake, I simply place it into my gaiwan. Everyone I have given this tea to loves it, it's flavor is precisely like some fine sticky rice. My temperature is adjusted for 8,000ft above sea level. It's a small leaf cake, which I'd typically brew at higher temperatures, but I use this tea as an introduction to puerh for many and like to show them how it evolves over time. I also enjoy taking my time with most teas so that plays a part. Overall, I like this tea a lot, I don't drink it everyday, nor would I want to. When I brew it solo, I enjoy it maybe once a month so as not to get used to the tea, it's certainly a treat that I wouldn't want to overuse. I definitely recommend this tea to all. - Tea Report - Kettle: Fellow Stagg EKG Gaiwan: 60mL Cup: 50mL Strainer: Yes Cake: unbroken Rinse: 30 seconds @ 75C (167F) Second steep: 5 seconds @ 85C (185F); Chocolate brown, earthy flavor with a hint of rice, not overly complex. Third steep: 10 seconds @ 85C (185F) Fourth steep: 15 seconds @ 85C (185F); Starts to leave behind a velvety feeling in the mouth, increased sweetness. Fifth steep: 20 seconds @ 85C (185F); Walnut brown, the sweetness becomes very apparent here, as though honey has been added. Sixth steep: 25 seconds @ 85C (185F) Seventh steep: 30 seconds @ 85C (185F); Some of the sweetness begins to dull. Eighth steep: 45 seconds @ 85C (185F); The added time gives us more sweet mixed with earthy tones Ninth steep: 60 seconds @ 85C (185F) Tenth steep: 90 seconds @ 85C (185F); More of a pure sticky rice taste Eleventh steep: 240 seconds @ 92C (198F); Twelfth steep: 480 seconds@ 92C (198F); Penny Brown, starting to lose it's sticky rice taste. Additional Comment(s): I would advise using a strainer when pouring your brew, for the leaves of this cake are very small and there are some fine & extra fine particles that will swim if you don't.

Among the best mini touchas I have ever bought. A great aroma and a nice dark but clear color. Very intense smell without being too aggressive to the taste

It really does taste and smell like sticky rice. I just wish there were brewing instructions.

Pretty nice little tuo. The convenience factor is quite good, but that's not too important for me. Has strong notes of mushroom soup for me. I'm not in love with it, but it's still a very enjoyable tea. I think it's worth trying for the price.

Can not say enough great things about this tea and my customers clamor for it after the first tou cha. Not overly scented but perfectly balanced.