{"product_id":"2021-imperial-grade-ripe-puerh-tea-cake-shou","title":"2021 Imperial-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2021 Imperial-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) is crafted from tender buds and young leaves harvested from ancient tea trees (approximately 100 years old) in the Pu'er tea region of Yunnan, one of the three major Pu-erh-producing areas. The fresh leaves were first processed into traditional sun-dried tea (Mao Cha) and then transformed into ripe Pu-erh tea through the wet-piling (Wo Dui) fermentation process.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eImperial Grade (Gong Ting) refers to an exceptionally fine leaf grade composed primarily of tender buds. Ripe Pu-erh (also known as Shou or Shu Pu-erh) undergoes controlled post-fermentation to accelerate aging, producing a smoother, mellower character that resembles naturally aged tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Production Story\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDuring our sourcing trip to the Pu'er tea region in the spring of 2021, we discovered this batch of freshly produced ripe Pu-erh loose tea. Its leaf appearance, flavor profile, and mouthfeel clearly reflected the characteristics of high-grade handcrafted material made from ancient tea trees. However, because of the abundance of tender buds and the rich concentration of soluble compounds, the tea exhibited noticeable bitterness and a strong, highly concentrated flavor profile when young—qualities that many tea drinkers might find challenging. At the same time, these characteristics indicated excellent aging potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRather than releasing the tea immediately, we compressed the loose leaves into convenient 100g tea cakes and stored them in a professional dry-storage facility in Yunnan, allowing the tea to mature naturally over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBy 2025, this 2021 Imperial-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) had undergone four years of natural aging. After repeated evaluations of its flavor and overall drinking experience, we found that the bitterness had completely faded and the tea had reached an ideal stage for enjoyment. It was then released for sale. As of 2026, the tea has entered its fifth year of aging and continues to improve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea Characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDry Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe cake surface is dark, glossy, and rich in golden buds. After several years of aging, the fine Imperial-Grade buds have gradually shifted from bright gold to deeper brown tones. The leaves are tightly and evenly distributed throughout the cake, which is moderately compressed without loose edges. The dry tea offers a subtle honey-like sweetness alongside a clean aged aroma.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe fermentation notes and bitterness present in the tea's youth have completely disappeared. Once brewed, the tea releases distinct sticky-rice notes, red date sweetness, and a gentle aged wood character. The aroma lingers pleasantly in the empty cup, remaining clean, elegant, and persistent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe liquor is deep ruby-red, bright and crystal clear, with excellent transparency and no cloudiness. A noticeable golden rim appears around the edge of the cup when poured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Mouthfeel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea is exceptionally smooth, thick, and full-bodied, with a texture reminiscent of rich rice soup that coats the palate. Bitterness and astringency are absent, while a pleasant sweetness emerges from the tip of the tongue and extends down the throat. The returning sweetness and cooling, mouth-watering sensation are gentle yet long-lasting. The liquor feels warming and comforting without any harshness, leaving a pleasant warmth in the stomach after drinking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eInfused Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe brewed leaves display a glossy reddish-brown color. They remain soft, flexible, and resilient when handled, showing neither stiffness nor signs of over-fermentation. This indicates careful fermentation management and suggests that the tea retains vitality with further aging potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eKey Highlights\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCrafted from tender buds and young leaves harvested from ancient tea trees in Yunnan's Pu'er tea region\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eImperial Grade (Gong Ting) material composed primarily of fine buds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTraditional wet-piling (Wo Dui) fermentation followed by natural aging\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCompressed into 100g \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/chinese-tea-cakes\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003etea cakes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and professionally stored in Yunnan dry storage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNaturally aged for over four years before release\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSmooth, thick liquor with notes of sticky rice, red dates, and aged wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eReady to drink now while retaining excellent aging potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAging Potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBecause Imperial-Grade material consists primarily of tender buds, it tends to transform more quickly than teas made from coarser, older leaves. Over the next three to five years, the tea is expected to develop deeper medicinal, woody, and agarwood-like aromas while gaining even greater smoothness and complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhen stored properly—away from light, moisture, and strong odors—the tea will continue to improve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe 2021 Imperial-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) has already entered an excellent drinking window, offering both the clean, pure character of high-quality \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/ripe-pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eripe Pu-erh\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and the smooth, mellow depth of aged tea. It is ready to enjoy now—no further aging required. When stored properly, the tea will continue to evolve and improve over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2021-imperial-grade-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-tea-house.jpg?v=1785141713\" alt=\"2021 Imperial-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) with brewed tea in a traditional Chinese tea house\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eGongfu Tea Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Traditional Method)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; color: #444; margin: 6px 0 14px 0; text-align: center; max-width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003eAlways rinse tea before the first infusion. For compressed teas, adjust the rinsing time according to the compression level, allowing the leaves to gently loosen before the first infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e7g tea per 150ml water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; text-align: center; background: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 1–5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 3–8 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 6–10\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 9–20 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 11–15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 21–35 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 40px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tea masters recommend steeping times based on each tea's unique flavor, starting the timer after pouring the water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCommon Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Easy Everyday Preparation)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLeaf-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2g per 100ml\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAbout 1–2 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSubsequent Infusions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIncrease by 30 seconds each time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 24px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e You can adjust the steeping time or leaf-to-water ratio to suit your taste—shorten the infusion for a lighter brew or extend it for a stronger one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (100 g)","offer_id":51147864965353,"sku":"010164-100g-2606","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2021-imperial-grade-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-yunnan-tea-cake.jpg?v=1785141712","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/de\/products\/2021-imperial-grade-ripe-puerh-tea-cake-shou","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}