2017 Special-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake

This 2017 Special-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (also known in Chinese as Shou/Shu Pu’er Cha) originates from the Xishuangbanna tea region of Yunnan and has undergone approximately nine years of aging. It presents a clean, smooth, and delicately soft Ripe Pu-erh profile, with a clear and transparent liquor. Suitable for multiple infusions in daily drinking, it is an easy-to-drink, stable, and well-balanced aged Ripe Pu-erh tea.

Tea Grading

The tea is crafted from tender buds and leaves and is officially graded as Special-Grade (Te Ji) under China’s tea grading system, reflecting a refined selection focusing on bud-to-leaf ratio and overall leaf integrity.

Market Terms and Clarification

• In the market, terms such as “Gongting” or “Imperial Grade” generally refer to an even finer selection built upon Special-Grade material. 
• Gongting-grade is a market convention rather than an official national classification (although we also offer Gongting-grade Ripe Pu-erh products).
• Special-Grade remains the highest level recognized under national guidelines. 

What Grading Indicates

The grading system primarily describes raw material quality and does not directly define flavor profile or tree age.

Flavor Profile

This tea is not defined by heaviness or intensity, but rather by a balanced and gentle Ripe Pu-erh character.

Tasting Notes

• Palate: Smooth, with sweetness unfolding naturally and a clear sense of structure. The liquor remains clean and transparent, making it suitable for long-term daily drinking without overwhelming the palate, offering a stable and comfortable drinking experience.
• Dry Cake: Tightly pressed, well-defined strips, relatively high proportion of buds, aroma pure with soft aged notes and natural sweetness.
• Liquor: Deep, bright red, gradually becomes more translucent and refined with brewing, smooth and slightly silky texture.
• Aroma: Dominated by mature aged notes, with subtle dried fruit sweetness and gentle floral undertones, overall clean and stable.
• Taste: Smooth, naturally sweet, light, refined, highly drinkable, strong clarity and consistency across multiple infusions.
• Wet Leaves: Even reddish-brown, intact and supple, good resilience, reflecting stable and well-developed aging.

Sourcing & Aging Philosophy

During sourcing and aging, we place greater emphasis on the tea’s natural expression and stable transformation, resulting in a balanced Ripe Pu-erh style that aligns well with everyday drinking scenarios.

Accessibility & Sharing

Based on this positioning, this tea is offered at an accessible price level as part of Chinese Tea Group’s curated Ripe Pu-erh series.

Purpose

• Designed as a daily sharing tea
• Allows more tea drinkers to experience the authentic character and aging profile of Yunnan aged Ripe Pu-erh in a relaxed and approachable way

Overall Impression

The 2017 Special-Grade Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) is a clean, stable, and refined aged Ripe Pu-erh. It delivers a smooth, soft, and naturally sweet profile, making it ideal for tea drinkers who prefer a light, clean, and easy-drinking daily Ripe Pu-erh style.

Not sure if this tea suits your taste? Try a sample and follow our brewing guide.

Try Sample & View Guide