As autumn winds pick up and the air turns crisp with growing chill, the body craves gentle warmth and nourishment. At such a time, fully fermented teas are the perfect seasonal gift—aged and mellowed over time, they boast a mild nature and sweet, smooth liquor that chases away the cold and soothes the stomach. Tongxinshe Teahouse is delighted to recommend teas like Liubao tea and ripe Pu’er, which are ideal companions for embracing the coziness of autumn and winter.
Among these fermented teas, Liubao tea stands out with its signature traits of "red liquor, rich texture, aged aroma, and mellow taste", making it a top choice for the cooler months. Its production area lies at the intersection of the Dayao and Dagui mountain ranges, where crisscrossing peaks and rolling hills create a unique microclimate. Clashing air currents bring abundant rainfall, morning mists that gather and disperse at dusk, and significant temperature variations between day and night—all ideal conditions for growing tea with plump internal qualities and pure flavor, laying a solid foundation for subsequent fermentation and aging.
Tongxinshe’s treasured 1999 Vintage Double-Steamed and Double-Pressed Bud Liubao Tea takes this autumn-winter tea-drinking experience to new heights. Sourced from the tender spring buds of 1999, it uses high-grade raw materials packed with rich nutrients. Unlike Liubao teas made from coarse, mature leaves, the bud-based blend delivers a naturally sweet and smooth liquor with no trace of bitterness, just a delicate, silky texture on the palate. Crafted using the traditional double-steaming and double-pressing technique, it undergoes a meticulous process including fixation, initial rolling, pile fermentation, re-rolling, and drying, followed by initial steaming for pile ripening to unlock its inner essence and secondary steaming for basket pressing to seal in the aroma. Every step reflects the dedication of traditional craftsmanship, paving the way for long-term aging.
Thanks to the triple advantages of premium raw materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and proper storage, this aged tea has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. The dry tea leaves are dark brown and glossy, with tight, neat strands, clearly visible buds, and natural tea stems, exuding the unassuming charm of an aged tea. When brewed with boiling water, the liquor is clean and translucent, taking on a deep wine-red hue. Swirling the fair cup reveals a bright golden ring clinging to the inner wall, a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The aroma is layered and warm: dominated by a rare sweet floral note that lingers long, it is complemented by the mellow scent of ginseng and the earthy warmth of wood, fully unfolding the elegant charm of an aged tea.
The moment it touches the tongue, its unique appeal shines through. The liquor is sweet, mellow, and smooth, with a rich, full-bodied texture that still retains a subtle, pleasant astringency, allowing the taste buds to savor the interplay of multiple flavors. As the infusion progresses, a refreshing coolness emerges in the later brews, accompanied by a long-lasting throat rhyme and lingering sweetness. After 27 years of aging, it has shed the astringency of young tea, offering a rice soup-like smoothness and mellow taste—each sip is a taste of time’s gentle precipitation.
In autumn and winter, diets tend to be greasy and heavy, and prolonged sitting can lead to digestive sluggishness. The golden flower fungi and rich dietary fiber produced during this tea’s fermentation process gently promote intestinal peristalsis, aiding digestion without irritating the stomach. It is particularly suitable for those who consume oily foods or suffer from constipation. A warm cup or two a day spreads a comforting warmth from the throat to the whole body, dispelling the autumn-winter chill while easing gastrointestinal discomfort—making it a mild, nourishing choice for seasonal wellness.
From the natural bounty of its origin, to the dedication of its craftsmanship, to the transformative power of time, this 1999 Vintage Double-Steamed and Double-Pressed Bud Liubao Tea is more than just a cup of exquisitely flavored aged tea—it is a warm, comforting companion for autumn and winter. This season, why not visit Tongxinshe Teahouse, brew a pot of this soothing Liubao tea, and let your body and mind unwind in the sweet, mellow liquor, embracing the unique warmth and coziness of the colder months.