Pu'er tea is renowned for its characteristic of "gaining more aroma with age". Generally, raw Pu'er tea undergoes a transformation cycle of about seven years, while ripe Pu'er requires a relatively shorter time. As a result, most ripe Pu'er teas on the market are only 3-5 years old, and those aged over 10 years are scarce. Additionally, since the production technique of ripe Pu'er tea was developed in the 1970s, it has a relatively short history, making 20-30-year-old ripe Pu'er extremely rare.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Pu'er tea became highly popular in Taiwan, prompting many Taiwanese merchants to customize tea products in Yunnan. The 1980s ripe Pu'er tea recommended by Tongxinshe Teahouse today is one such Taiwanese-customized product from that era. Made from Menghai tea leaves, it has been stored in Guangdong since production. Despite its age, the tea still demonstrates high-quality raw materials: a balanced mix of buds, leaves, and stems; a dark brown surface; uniform strips; and appropriate pressing tightness.
For aged teas, clean storage is of utmost importance. During the post-fermentation process of ripe Pu'er, the transformation of its internal substances enhances its quality and delivers a delightful tasting experience. However, improper storage can lead to unpleasant odors like mustiness or杂味 (foreign smells), rendering the tea unfit for consumption. The dry leaves of this tea emit a subtle fragrance of fruit and wood, with no hint of pile fermentation odor or impurities.
Brewed in a purple clay teapot with one rinse, the tea releases a rich and long-lasting aged aroma with a touch of ginseng-like scent as soon as boiling water is poured. The茶汤 (tea soup) is clear, reddish-brown, and translucent, with a viscous texture that is visually stunning. When the cup is gently shaken, the soup moves steadily, reflecting its thick consistency. It features a distinct aged aroma and slight ginseng notes—the hallmark of well-stored old ripe Pu'er, which differentiates it significantly from new teas. The taste is smooth, soft, and糯米般 (glutinous) sweet, leaving a refreshing and润泽 (moist) aftertaste that is unforgettable.
Ripe Pu'er teas from the 1980s are extremely rare today, especially those with clean storage. This old tea is available for purchase on Tongxinshe Teahouse's website (www.txs-tea.com). Welcome to taste this timeless treasure.