2012 Fang Hua Liu Bao Tea

This Liubao tea is meticulously crafted from the raw materials of original, old-growth tea trees native to Wuzhou 梧州, Guangxi. These trees, aged fifty to sixty years, are at their peak of flavor maturity without being overly aged. The tender young tea leaves are hand-picked in the spring, boasting rich internal qualities that exhibit the "Fang Hua" (芳华 Magnificent Youth) charm. These original tea trees are a local, naturally occurring population, embodying both the characteristics of the varietal and the regional style. This unique combination allows the Liubao tea to present a diverse and intriguing aging potential.

The tea processing employs the traditional Liubao "double steaming and double pressing 双蒸双压” technique. This involves two cycles of steaming and compressing, a complex yet skillfully executed process. The resulting tea is appropriately fermented, delivering a mellow and sweet taste that remains refreshing and lively, while also leaving room for further transformation during aging. After processing, the tea is stored in a wooden, dry warehouse for over a decade, allowing for natural aging. This process sheds its youthful astringency and any smoky notes, evolving into a richer, more profound character with a steady and mature aroma – truly embodying its "Fang Hua" stage.

The dry tea leaves are slender, tightly rolled, and exhibit a dark brown, oily luster, with some showing subtle golden tips. Some of the tea naturally develops "golden flowers" (金花 Jin Hua), a unique highlight of Liubao tea. These "golden flowers" are a type of beneficial probiotic that imparts a floral, "bacterial flower" aroma. They contribute to reducing astringency and enhancing the sweetness and mellowness of the tea. Considered a dietary essential by some ethnic groups in border regions, "golden flowers" are a significant manifestation of the allure of dark tea.

Upon brewing, the tea liquor is a deep, translucent red. Its aroma is rich and layered. The initial infusions are strong, sweet, and smooth. The middle infusions offer a mellow, smooth texture with a lingering honey-like charm. The final infusions are sweet, glutinous, and promote salivation, with the liquor turning a clear orange-yellow. Even the final infusions maintain a lasting sweetness. The brewed tea leaves reveal intertwined notes of red bean and sweet floral scents, showcasing a rich and magnificent essence that leaves a lasting and memorable impression.