Chun Pin Shu Pu-erh (Ripe Pu-erh) Tea 2023, 357g | Dayi (Menghai Tea Factory)

A classic ripe pu-erh from Dayi, pressed by the legendary Menghai Tea Factory in the traditional 357 g cake. Its name, Chun Pin (醇品), means "mellow grade", a direct statement of intent: a smooth, well-rounded shu built around the comfortable, easy character that defines good ripe pu-erh. This is the 2023 pressing.

The character is clean and approachable, made on decades of refined Menghai fermentation know-how. It pours a full-bodied cup led by notes of wood, dried dates and a gentle natural sweetness, with the smooth earthy depth expected from a well-made shu. As a young 2023 pressing it carries fresh energy, and a short rest will only round it out further.

The liquor is deep chestnut-red, thick and glossy, with a soft texture that coats the mouth. Across infusions it stays stable and generous, holding its character through many steeps while the quiet sweetness grows as the session goes on.

A dependable everyday cake that lives up to its name: mellow, smooth and easy to drink. Equally at home in a focused gongfu session or a thermos for the working day, and a sensible 357 g cake to keep and watch settle over the coming years.

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.