0562 Shu Pu-erh (Ripe Pu-erh) Tea Cake 2018, 357g | Dayi (Menghai Tea Factory)

A ripe pu-erh from Dayi, pressed by the legendary Menghai Tea Factory in the traditional 357 g cake. 0562 is a recipe number, read the standard Dayi way: 05 marks the year the recipe was set (2005), the 6 the leaf grade, and the 2 the factory code for Menghai. This is the 2018 pressing of that established recipe, now with several comfortable years of age.

With around eight years behind it, the early pile-ferment edge is gone, leaving a clean, deep and settled cup. Expect notes of aged wood, dried dates and a warm, natural sweetness over the smooth earthy depth of a well-made shu. The character is rounded and dependable, with the easy drinkability that comes from real rest.

The liquor is deep chestnut to red-brown, thick and glossy, with a soft texture that coats the mouth. Across infusions it stays stable and generous, holding its depth through many steeps while the sweetness opens further as the session goes on, trailing into a clean, mellow finish.

A reliable, recognisable recipe cake for drinkers who want a known Menghai shu rather than a one-off. Equally at home in a focused gongfu session or a thermos for the working day, ready to drink now and steady to keep for further age.

Tea profile

📖 Brewing guide: Learn how to brew Chinese tea and gongfu cha properly to get the best flavour and aroma.

🍃 New to pu-erh? Learn the difference between Shu Pu-erh and Sheng Pu-erh and find the pu-erh that suits your taste.