Guangxi Liu Bao Hei Cha, 2021

Long ago, the wise tea master Lao Cha was on a pilgrimage through the mountainous ranges of Guangxi province, China, when he stumbled upon a tired farmer: — Sifu, do you have something for me that is comforting, like a thick rice porridge, yet sweet and robust like coffee, that will help me tackle all this work?  — Of course, young one! Let me share a woven basket of Liu Bao with you.    Liu Bao can be considered the sister and, at the same time, the forefather of Shou Pu-erh. This tea originated from Guangxi province in China and dates back to the 1500s. Farmers age it using large bamboo baskets. The production of Liu Bao involves wet piling – the same method that tea producers later adapted to create Ripe Pu-erh.  If you are interested in the aged qualities of Ripe Pu-erh, we recommend trying Liu Bao Hei Cha. Compared to Ripe Pu-erh, however, this tea has lighter, more uplifting qualities. The taste of Liu Bao is sweet and soft, with deep notes of red dates, earth, and tobacco. The