Wu Kong Shu Pu-erh (Ripe Pu-erh) Tea 2016, 100g | Dayi (Menghai Tea Factory)

A collectible ripe pu-erh from Dayi, pressed by the legendary Menghai Tea Factory and named Wu Kong (悟空) after the Monkey King of the classic novel Journey to the West, a fitting tribute for its 2016 release in the Year of the Monkey. A compact 100 g cake of well-aged shu, made to be kept, gifted and enjoyed.

With around a decade of age behind it, this is ripe pu-erh at its most comfortable. The early pile-ferment edge is long gone, leaving a clean, deep cup led by notes of aged wood, dried dates and a warm, natural sweetness. The character is smooth and grounded, with none of the rough notes sometimes found in younger shu.

The liquor is deep mahogany-red, thick and glossy, with a soft, silky texture that fills the mouth. Across infusions it stays remarkably stable, holding its depth through many steeps while the sweetness rounds out and lingers in a clean, mellow finish.

A piece that works on two levels: a meaningful Monkey-year collectible with a name drawn from one of China's best-loved legends, and a genuinely well-aged Menghai shu ready to drink today. Equally at home in a focused gongfu session or a thermos for the working day.

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.