Bingdao Laozhai Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake, 357g

Description

Full-bodied and smooth, in the tradition of Bingdao Laozhai.

The cake is wrapped in pale paper printed with a fine dragon motif, marked as coming from Bingdao’s old village, Laozhai. This is shou, or ripe, Yunnan pu-erh crafted in the style prized from this growing area: the leaf undergoes an accelerated fermentation process shortly after picking, so the tea arrives already dark, smooth, and ready to drink, rather than needing years to mellow the way raw pu-erh does.

In the cup, ripe pu-erh in this style runs deep reddish brown, with an earthy, mellow sweetness and none of the astringency of a young raw cake. It is a forgiving tea to brew and a good entry point for anyone new to pu-erh, or a comforting daily cup for anyone who already knows the category.

This product is sold as a whole pressed 357 gram cake. To brew, break off 5 to 8 grams from the edge, rinse briefly with hot water to open the leaf, then steep in short infusions starting at 10 to 15 seconds, extending each round as the leaf unfurls. Store wrapped, away from direct light and strong odors, at stable room temperature.

Bingdao Laozhai-style ripe pu-erh tea cake: 357g pressed cake, shou (ripe, fermented), Yunnan pu-erh. Origin: Yunnan, China. Tea category: dark tea (pu-erh). This is tea for daily ritual and enjoyment.