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Black Tea

Shou Pu 熟普

Sweet earth with a full smooth body

Regular price $17.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.00 USD
Size
Vintage

Ai Lao Shan - Spring 2018: Sweet earth with a full, smooth body. Well-made Shou Pu becomes earthier, airier, and cleaner with age.   

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About This Tea

Shou Pu (sometimes called Cooked Pu Er) is a popular style of black tea from Yun Nan using Sheng Pu as its rough tea. Given the nature of its heavy processing, Shou Pu is usually a blend. Black teas are very dark and earthy with a full, smooth body.

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  • Origin

    Ai Lao Shan, Yun Nan province, China (~1000m elevation)

  • History and Significance

    Shou Pu is commonly said to be an "artificially aged" Sheng Pu. This fact is not actual; they are different teas. Sheng Pu aging does not result in Shou Pu. Shou Pu will continue to decompose while the bacteria in the tea continue to break down the leaves. Sheng Pu from newer tea trees planted following traditional practice with the prospect for the trees to be independent of human shaping and become big trees is called xiao shu cha. Our Shou Pu is a sophisticated batch made from mostly ancient tea trees from Jing Mai tea mountain.

  • Category

    Category: Black Tea

    Sub-Category: Shou Pu

    Cultivar: Heirloom

  • Processing

    Shou Pu is made of all Qun Ti Da Ye Zhong (Heirloom Large Leaf) material. This tea category is made by fermenting the already processed Sheng Pu and adding heat and moisture to facilitate "compost" of the leaves with beneficial microbes, making it a black tea.

  • Tasting Notes

    Due to the large batch and rough processing method of black tea, many Shou Pus are harsh and taste funky. However, a well-made Shou Pu is the mellowest, easiest-to-drink tea out there. It is earthy but sweet, without any trace of astringency. Its thick body provides a particular kind of satisfaction.

  • Brewing Instructions

    Please see above for the category specific brewing specs for Gong Fu brewing. For brewing in a teapot, mug, or single cup visit this article here.

  • Learn How To Gong Fu Brew

    This foundational course is a great resource to help you understand the methods and motions of Gong Fu Brewing.