Ancient Tree | shou puerh

TASTING NOTES: bourbon caramel, sweet herbs, chocolate

Exceptional loose puerh from Yunnan, renowned for its thick, oily, and creamy texture. Crafted from wild tea leaves, this dark tea has a complex aroma and beautiful aftertaste.

PACKAGING:
Weight:
€11.00
Tax included.

Tea Region

Tea tree

Cultivar

Harvest

Picking & processing

Bulang, Yunnan, China

Camellia sinensis var. assamica

Da Ye Zhong /大叶种

Spring, 2013

One bud and young leaves

High in the mist-covered mountains of Yunnan, ancient tea trees stretch their roots deep into the rich earth, drawing up centuries of wisdom and tradition into their leaves. From these venerable giants comes a tea unlike any other: Ancient Tree Shou Puerh. This dark, fermented tea, crafted from wild and untamed leaves, is a journey through time—a rich, earthy brew that speaks of history, craftsmanship, and the untamed beauty of its origin.

On the palate, this puerh reveals its true depth: thick, oily, and creamy, with a velvety smoothness that coats the mouth. The flavor is rich and robust, with dominant notes of dark chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and a subtle sweetness that lingers long after each sip. Hints of molasses, dried figs, and a touch of black licorice weave through the brew, creating a complex tapestry of taste. The aftertaste is sweet and enduring, with a warming sensation that spreads from the chest outward, leaving you with a comforting embrace.

The tea’s texture is its hallmark—creamy and thick, almost broth-like, offering a luxurious mouthfeel that elevates each sip into a meditative experience. It’s a tea that evolves with each steeping, revealing new layers of flavor and aroma, inviting you to slow down and savor each moment.

Dark chocolate truffles
The rich, creamy texture of dark chocolate truffles enhances the tea’s own creamy and slightly sweet notes, creating a decadent pairing that lingers on the palate.

Braised meat dishes
Pair with slow-cooked meats, like braised short ribs or pork belly, to complement the tea’s earthy, robust character. The umami and caramelized flavors in these dishes harmonize beautifully with the depth of the puerh.

Mushroom risotto or wild mushroom dishes
The earthy flavors of mushrooms—especially wild varieties like porcini or shiitake—mirror the tea’s forest-like qualities, creating a deeply satisfying combination.

Aged cheese
Pair with aged gouda, blue cheese, or a rich, nutty Comté. The tea’s thick, creamy body cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the earthy undertones enhance the flavors of the cheese.

Spiced desserts
Gingerbread, spiced cakes, or cookies with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove draw out the subtle sweet and spicy notes in the puerh, creating a warming and comforting pairing.

Tea character

Leaf
oak, vanilla, leather

Cup
rye bread, roasted pecan, antique hardwoods

Flavor
bourbon caramel, sweet herbs, chocolate

How to brew

Temperature

Tea weight

Water amount

Steeping time

99 °C

5 gram

100ml

10 sec (add 5 sec per steep for at least 15 steeps)

Temperature

Tea weight

Water amount

Steeping time

99 °C

4 gram

500ml

2 min (you can resteep 3-5 times)

What teaware to use