1990 Sheng Puer - Loose leaf Taiwan storage- 30 grams

This is a very high-quality aged Sheng Pu'er and one that immediately stood out to me. I'm very particular when it comes to Pu'er, and truly exceptional teas are often difficult to find without a hefty price tag. This tea, however, delivers everything I look for. It is remarkably smooth, with rich, layered undertones that continue to unfold with each infusion.

The tea was first aged in Hong Kong before being transferred to Taiwan, where it has been stored for over a decade. Taiwan's dry, stable climate provides ideal conditions for aging tea, allowing the flavors to mature with elegance and balance. The result is an outstanding loose-leaf Sheng Pu'er that will easily become a favorite.

When brewing Sheng Pu'er (aged raw Pu'er), I prefer using a small clay teapot. I like to think of it like a cast-iron pan—the more you use it, the more it becomes seasoned with the character of the tea. Traditionally, tea drinkers dedicate a separate clay pot to each style of tea: one for Sheng Pu'er, one for Shou Pu'er, another for Dong Ding Oolong, and so on. Over time, the clay develops a beautiful relationship with the tea. That said, a porcelain or ceramic gaiwan or teapot is an excellent choice as well, since these materials don't retain flavors or aromas and can be used for any style of tea.

With any Pu'er, I always recommend giving the leaves a quick rinse first. This awakens the tea, removes any dust from aging and processing, and helps the leaves begin to open. Brew with freshly boiled water. For Gong Fu brewing, use 3–5 grams of tea in a small teapot or gaiwan, beginning with infusions of around 30 seconds and adjusting to taste with each successive steep. This tea will easily reward you with 5–8 or more infusions.

If you're brewing in an 8-ounce mug, use about 2 grams of tea in a strainer. Steep for about one minute, or longer if you prefer a stronger cup, then simply re-steep the leaves several more times.

If you're new to Gong Fu Cha, I've put together a free guide that walks you through the process of brewing tea in small pots over multiple infusions. You can download it here:

https://ojasnaturals.myshopify.com/products/gong-fu-tea-guide