2018 Black Jasmine Liu Bao Tea

This premium Liubao tea is meticulously selected from old, original-seed tea trees in the core production area of Wuzhou. Harvested in early spring, featuring one bud and two leaves, it naturally possesses the characteristic floral aroma of its region. The term "original-seed" refers to the locally-grown, genetically diverse tea trees native to Wuzhou, which contribute to its unique regional character and individual flavor profile.

The tea undergoes a traditional, handcrafted process: firewood fixation, manual rolling, and charcoal baking. It employs the classic "double steaming and double pressing" technique, combined with a light fermentation method. This approach not only preserves the inherent floral notes of the raw leaves but also develops a sweet and mellow tea character with significant aging potential. Notably, the jasmine-like fragrance present in this tea is a natural result of the tea variety, processing techniques, and storage conditions, not from any subsequent scenting.

After production, the tea is naturally aged for two years in a dry, wooden-plank warehouse. This process mellows its initial briskness and "fire" (from roasting), cultivating a gentle and elegant aged floral aroma. The wooden planks used in the warehouse are treated with boiling tea soup, which effectively locks in the tea's fragrance during aging and prevents any undesirable storage odors, enhancing its aroma over time. The dry tea leaves are tightly rolled, straight, and exhibit a dark brown, lustrous appearance. The dry aroma is pure and aged, with a deep yet delicate hidden fragrance. Upon brewing, the tea reveals its full splendor.

The tea liquor is a bright, amber-orange-red, reminiscent of jade, with a clear golden ring. Its aroma unfolds in layers: the initial notes are a blend of medicinal and woody scents, followed by hints of camphor and red dates in the middle, and a lingering touch of honey in the finish. The taste is sweet, smooth, and delicate, akin to rice water or brown sugar water, with a soft, glutinous texture and a refreshing coolness that lingers in the mouth, providing a long-lasting aftertaste. This tea can be brewed, steeped, or boiled; when boiled, its aroma becomes even richer and its flavor more full-bodied, showcasing the excellence of its craftsmanship and the preciousness of its raw materials.