Zhongcha Fulu Shouxi Shu Pu-erh (Ripe Pu-erh) Square Brick 2007, 100g | Kunming Tea Factory

A ripe pu-erh square brick (普洱方茶) from the Kunming Tea Factory of CNNP Yunnan Tea Import & Export Corporation (中国土产畜产云南茶叶进出口公司昆明茶厂), produced under the Zhongcha (中茶) trademark. Fulu Shouxi (福禄寿禧) names the four traditional blessings: happiness, prosperity, longevity and joy. Produced on 6 June 2007 as a compact 100 g square.

The packaging describes the tea in classic terms: plump, heavy, evenly made leaf with visible buds, a clear bright liquor, a mellow and full taste, a high aroma with a returning sweetness, and long-lasting infusions, "a top gift tea". After almost twenty years, any trace of pile-ferment character has disappeared and the tea has settled into deep, aged calm. Aged Zhongcha ripe tea is known for a clean old-wood profile, with dried dates and a soft, mineral sweetness.

The liquor is dark red-brown, glossy and thick, with a silky texture that fills the mouth. Across infusions it stays deep and steady, the sweetness and aged-wood notes opening further as the session goes on and trailing into a long, mellow finish.

A genuine aged pu-erh from one of China's most respected tea houses, in a 100 g size that makes a properly old shu easy to try. Excellent for a slow gongfu session, and a meaningful gift for anyone who appreciates mature tea. Ready to drink now and stable to keep.

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