In the family of dark teas, there exists a rare treasure distinguished by its exquisitely tender raw materials—it is none other than Imperial Pu'er, the masterpiece of dark teas. This luxurious tea indulgence with royal origins dates back to the Qing Dynasty. As recorded in Notes on Pu'er Tea by Ruan Fu of the Qing Dynasty: "In the second lunar month, the extremely fine and white tea buds, known as Maojian, are picked for tribute to the imperial court; only after the tribute is delivered are they allowed to be sold among the people." Back then, the tribute tea was Pu'er raw tea.
The legend of Pu'er ripe tea began with trial production in 1973. After two years of technological refinement, the production process was officially finalized in 1975. The naming of "Imperial Pu'er" as a premium category of ripe Pu'er can be traced back to the late 1990s, when Menghai Tea Factory reused this royal appellation to promote its top-grade raw materials, thus making the name of Imperial Pu'er ripe tea renowned across the tea industry. The vintage treasure brought to you by Tongxinshe Teahouse on this occasion is a custom-made Imperial Pu'er ripe tea from the 1990s, personally crafted by Ms. Du Qiongzhi, the former director of the Fermentation Department at Menghai Tea Factory.
As a core technical expert at Menghai Tea Factory, Ms. Du Qiongzhi has dedicated over two decades to tea-making craftsmanship since she joined the factory in 1978. Rising from an ordinary worker to the director of the technical department, she has written more than 300 professional notes, embodying the essence of the "Menghai Flavor" in every batch of tea products. This Imperial Pu'er tea is a masterpiece from her prime years, adhering to the strict selection criteria for high-end ripe Pu'er. It is made from the tenderest buds plucked from tea trees, featuring small, uniform buds covered with golden pekoe, and the dry tea leaves boast a glossy, brownish-red hue that exudes imperial-grade elegance. The tender raw materials endow the tea with the unique character of a "refreshing gem among ripe teas", and after nearly two decades of natural aging, it has shed its initial astringency and precipitated into a mellow and gentle texture shaped by time.
The distinctive trait of Pu'er tea—"the older, the more fragrant"—is fully manifested in this vintage tea. After years of aging in a dry warehouse, the internal substances of the tea leaves have fully integrated. Upon brewing, the tea liquor presents a bright, deep red color, resembling aged amber, and its ruby-like luster perfectly showcases the charm of aged tea. The aroma profile is incredibly rich and layered: the initial whiff reveals a harmonious blend of rich glutinous rice fragrance and woody notes, with a lingering aged aroma permeating throughout; a careful sip allows one to detect the subtle hints of ginseng and camphor. The moment the tea liquor enters the mouth, it delivers a smooth and glutinous texture without any off-flavors, and its delicate, sweet taste spreads gently across the palate, accompanied by a long-lasting aged aftertaste and a sweet finish in the throat, as if one could feel the meticulous craftsmanship of Menghai Tea Factory in the 1990s and the warmth of time encapsulated in every sip.
To cater to the diverse drinking scenarios of modern tea enthusiasts while preserving the pure flavor of this vintage tea, Tongxinshe Teahouse has specially customized handmade tea bags, using high-quality tea filter bags imported from Taiwan. Every detail is meticulously designed to safeguard the authentic taste of this aged tea. These tea filter bags are crafted from a premium blend of polyester fiber, wood pulp, and hemp pulp, containing no bleaching agents, lint, or fluorescent agents, and are free from any chemical side effects, ensuring utmost hygiene and reliability. Boasting exceptional heat resistance and durability, they remain intact even when boiled, and their superior permeability allows the full flavor of the tea to be released effortlessly. Whether you choose to simmer, boil, steep, or brew the tea, these filter bags maintain their shape without leaking, ensuring that the rich aroma and essence of the tea are fully infused into the liquor. Each tea bag contains a 5g portion—the "golden ratio" for brewing—making it perfect for both detailed tasting in a purple clay teapot and convenient steeping in a vacuum flask. No complicated procedures are required; you can savor the mellow taste of this aged tea with ease.
Brewing this tea requires a touch of care: use 100℃ boiling water to awaken the dormant flavors of the tea leaves. The first infusion is for rinsing the tea to activate its aroma, and starting from the second infusion, you can pour out the tea liquor immediately to enjoy its vibrant flavor. As the taste gradually lightens, you may extend the steeping time to enhance the aged mellowness. Steeping it in a vacuum flask yields an even better result, as it fully unlocks the layered aromas of glutinous rice, aged wood, ginseng, and camphor, rendering the tea liquor increasingly smooth and mellow. Anytime, anywhere, you can embark on a delightful sensory journey through time with just one cup of this exquisite tea.
Brewing Guidelines
• Tea Ware: Purple clay teapot / Vacuum flask
• Tea Dosage: 1 bag (5g)
• Water: Purified water / Mountain spring water
• Water Temperature: 100℃ boiling water
• Brewing Method: Rinse the tea once for the first time; pour out the tea liquor immediately starting from the second infusion. When the flavor fades, you may steep it for a longer time. Steeping in a vacuum flask is highly recommended for a richer taste.
This 1990s Imperial Pu'er ripe tea is not only a testament to Ms. Du Qiongzhi's masterful craftsmanship and an epitome of Menghai Tea Factory's golden era but also a rare and precious vintage tea that is hard to come by. From the meticulous selection of raw materials to the elaborate production process, from years of natural aging to the customized packaging, Tongxinshe Teahouse has always upheld rigorous standards to safeguard the authentic flavor of every tea product. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, why not brew a cup of this exquisite tea, let the glutinous aroma linger around your nose, and let the smooth tea liquor soothe your soul? Immerse yourself in the mellow sweetness of time, and savor the timeless charm of Imperial Pu'er and the sincere dedication of Tongxinshe Teahouse to premium tea.