Liu Bao is a traditional Chinese dark tea (hei cha), and while similar to shou pu’er in the way it is processed (fermented rapidly in batches soon after harvesting), is its own distinct class of tea. Whereas pu’er must be made from assamica (the large leaf family of tea varietals), Liu Bao is made from smaller sinensis leaves grown further east. This is a very classic style of tea with a long pedigree as an everyman’s tea. Similar to pu’er, Liu Bao will improve with age as the fermentation flavors settle in and microbial activity continues to break down and complexify the brewed tea. This Liu Bao has been aging since 1998, and is remarkably clear and earthy with a persistent dry fruit sweetness and subtle herbaceousness. We’ve never imported anything quite like this, hope you enjoy!

Origin - Guangzhi, China

Location - Liu Bao Town, Wuzhou

Harvest - 1998

Tastes Like - Soil, Date Syrup, Camphor

Sold in one ounce increments