The compressed cake contains small, dark brown to black leaves with golden tips visible throughout. The material is tightly pressed with a clean appearance. The aroma suggests glutinous rice with fermented notes and a hint of tobacco.

The liquor brews a deep reddish-brown that's nearly opaque. The first sip is clean and earthy without mustiness. The flavor profile moves from wet leaves into dark chocolate territory. Notes of glutinous rice and white rice appear in the mid-palate, adding subtle grain sweetness. Dried date sweetness emerges in the finish along with wood notes and a touch of spice. The body is smooth and full with no harsh edges.

From Bulang Mountain in Menghai County, Yunnan, this 2012 production shows over a decade of aging. Palace grade indicates finer leaf selection in the blend. Good for drinkers seeking clean, sweet ripened styles without heavy fermentation flavor.