Da Yi Hong Yun Shu Pu-erh (Ripe Pu-erh) Tea 2024, 50g | Dayi (Menghai Tea Factory)

A festive ripe pu-erh from Dayi, pressed by the legendary Menghai Tea Factory in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, offered here as a 50 g portion broken from the cake. Its name, Hong Yun Yuan Cha (红韵圆茶), means roughly "red charm round tea": 红 (red) for celebration and good fortune, 韵 for lingering charm, and 圆茶 the traditional word for a round cake. The original cake is wrapped in red with dragons, lanterns and coins, released for the 2024 Year of the Dragon.

The character is classic Menghai shu, clean and smooth, built on the factory's decades of fermentation know-how. [Confirm tasting notes — a young Menghai ripe like this typically shows wood, dried dates and a gentle natural sweetness over a smooth earthy depth.] As a 2024 pressing it is still young and fresh; a short rest will 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 50 g portion is an easy way to try a quality Menghai shu without committing to a whole cake, and a good introduction to Dayi ripe pu-erh. Ready to drink now and steady to keep.

Tea profile

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