Jiuran Yiwu Ancient Arbor Shu Pu-erh (Ripe Pu-erh), 2013 Material, 2021 Pressing, 200g | Kunming, Yunnan

A ripe pu-erh from Yunnan Jiuran Tea (云南玖冉茶业, Jiuran), made from first-flush spring leaf of ancient arbor trees (古乔木头春) from Yiwu, the famous "seven villages and eight stockades" (七村八寨) area of Mengla county, Xishuangbanna. The material dates from 2013 and was pressed into a 200 g cake on 1 March 2021.

Yiwu is one of the six classic tea mountains and one of the most respected names in pu-erh, best known for raw teas that are soft, sweet and full rather than sharp. Ripe pu-erh from Yiwu leaf is less common than ripe from Menghai, and Yiwu shu is known for a softer, sweeter, more rounded character than the punchier Menghai style. Expect a smooth cup with notes of dark wood, cocoa and earth, and a gentle sweetness running under it.

With more than a decade since the material was made, the fermentation notes have long settled. The liquor is deep red-brown, thick and glossy, with a soft, full texture that coats the mouth. Across infusions it stays stable and generous, the sweetness opening further as the session goes on and leaving a clean, mellow finish.

A characterful shu with a famous origin name and well-aged material behind it, in a practical 200 g size that sits between a sample and a full bing. Ready to drink now and stable to keep.

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