After trying the sample serving of this Pu'er Classic I purchased the $60 bag without hesitation. Delighted with the quick delivery I thought this should be the start of a life-long love affair with Pu'er. But I was quickly lost of of that notion just a couple of days into this tea.

Without any variation in my preparation methods--and I drink this unadorned--this tea has caused me stomach upset and tightness of throat accompanied with difficulty swallowing! Never before and never with any other Rishi Tea have I had an experience this profoundly shocking.

As first I was to dismiss this as simply seasonal allergies or a case of mild tonsillitis, but treatment for those conditions yielded no relief. It was only by skipping my breakfast cup that I noticed relief! Not understanding the connection, I brewed a cup the following day and within minutes of the first mouthful, I could feel the razor wires running down my throat again.

I can't explain this phenomenon, and I hope it isn't fermented teas in general because I do so like the flavor and aroma. But this bag of Rishi is going to the compose where it can continue to ferment and feed seedlings that should not be bothered by it.