{"product_id":"loose-leaf-shou-pu-erh-tea-2012-imperial-grade","title":"Loose Leaf Shou Pu-erh Tea – 2012 Imperial Grade","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis loose-leaf Shou Pu-erh tea is a 2012 Imperial Grade tea (literally translated in Chinese as “Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu’er Tea”), made from sun-dried large-leaf Mao Cha from Yunnan and produced using the wet-piling fermentation method developed in the mid-1970s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRaw (Sheng) Pu-erh tea has a history spanning thousands of years. Shou Pu-erh, however, was developed long after the era of imperial tribute teas. Why, then, was the name ‘Imperial Grade Pu-erh Tea’ adopted?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Origin of the “Imperial Grade” Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eStandards and Market Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAs national tea masters of the Chinese Tea Group, we note that the term “Imperial” does not exist in national tea standards or official tea evaluation terminology. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn the 1990s, Japanese and Korean markets were particularly focused on the health benefits of Shou Pu-erh tea and preferred loose teas with delicate appearance. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhen exporting Yunnan tea, tender buds and leaves were specially selected beyond the existing “Special Grade” category. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTo distinguish them from Special Grade teas, the market gradually began referring to these teas as “Imperial Pu-erh” or “Gong Ting Ripe Pu’er,” a name that originated purely from market demand. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMarket Consensus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAny tea named “Imperial Pu-erh Tea” inevitably refers to a Shou Pu-erh made from high-quality tender buds, not raw Pu-erh. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eImperial-grade Pu-erh teas are commonly sold in loose-leaf form, which has become a market consensus. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAged Imperial Shou Pu-erh – Dry Tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThrough detailed photos taken at our physical tea house, you can observe the dry tea characteristics of 2012 Imperial Grade loose-leaf Shou Pu-erh:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLeaves slightly shrink on the surface, dry yet tight, short, and sturdy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eColor: reddish-brown. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma: gentle aged scent with a hint of sweet rice notes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSome tea enthusiasts may describe this mixed aroma as “old wood” or “medicinal,” while a few may perceive an “earthy” note. However, these are not mainstream and may cause misunderstanding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWe understand that describing aroma and flavor often reflects personal preference and familiar sensory memory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRegardless, no tea should have any harsh off-flavors, such as sour, rancid, moldy, or chemical odors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrewing and Tasting Experience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eUsing gongfu tea techniques, I brewed this 2012 Imperial Grade aged loose-leaf Shou Pu-erh tea with 6g of tea leaves in 150ml of water, yielding a moderate-strength infusion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRinsing the Tea (Washing)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePour boiling water over the leaves. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAllow the leaves to unfold, releasing fragrance immediately. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWet aroma: clean aged scent with hints of old wood and mild sweetness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNo pile-fermentation odor or off-flavors. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis rinsing infusion is not meant for drinking but is a necessary step for all Pu-erh teas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOfficial Brewing Phase\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eInfusions 1–2 (Awakening Phase)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor color: deep red and bright, clear, slight oiliness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma: cup lid aroma with aged scent plus glutinous notes; clinging aroma shows the mellow character of aged tea. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste: smooth entry, slightly thin liquor, subtle sweetness on the tongue, with a delicate throat sensation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eInfusions 3–4 (Peak Phase)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor color: deep, transparent red, resembling wine or ruby, with a noticeable oil ring. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma: primarily aged scent, with glutinous and woody notes merging; fragrance is stable and full-bodied, felt in the mouth rather than through smell. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste: rich and full, thick and smooth (like a gentle rice porridge), sweet with no off-flavors, smooth throat sensation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eInfusions 5–6 (Stable Phase)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor color: still red and bright, slightly lighter. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma: dominated by aged character; medicinal scent diminishes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste: maintains mellow richness, sweetness persists, slight reduction in thickness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrewing tip: Now increase steeping time to 10–15 seconds, adjusting to taste.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eInfusions 7–8 (Tail Phase)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor color: bright orange-red, gradually lighter. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma: light sweet date or sugar aroma, with woody undertones remaining. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste: noticeable lingering sweetness, refreshing and smooth. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eInfusions 9–10 (Final Phase)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor color: light red. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma: faint sweet aroma, nearly absent. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste: light tea flavor, smooth, with the liquor’s thickness almost gone. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrewing Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhen brewing loose-leaf Shou Pu-erh tea in large teapots or cups, prioritize taste as the main guide; color is secondary. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMultiple trials help establish a correlation between liquor color and flavor. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAdjust strength: too strong – reduce tea amount or steeping time; too weak – increase tea amount or steeping time. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eStandard liquor colors vary across tea types; even within the same type, leaf thickness affects color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eComparison with Other Products\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLoose Leaf Shou Pu-erh Tea - 2012 Imperial Grade compared to our 2019 Gong Ting Grade Ripe Pu’er: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMore pronounced aged character developed over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSmoother and thicker liquor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBetter integration of soluble compounds with water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTasting Value of Aged Pu-erh Tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIf you enjoy \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003ePu-erh tea\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e—whether loose-leaf or compressed—and seek a depth that transcends the bright freshness of new teas, the aged charm and rarity of a properly stored Shou Pu-erh await you, to be discovered one steep at a time. “The older, the more aromatic” is not merely a saying; it is an invitation to explore and savor the unique layers that time has developed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNot sure \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eif this tea suits your taste? Try a sample and follow our brewing guide. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/loose-leaf-shou-pu-erh-tea-sample-2012-imperial-grade\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eTry Sample \u0026amp; View Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"100 g","offer_id":51116498223337,"sku":"010145-100g-2605","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"250 g","offer_id":51116498256105,"sku":"010145-250g-2605","price":102.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500 g","offer_id":51116498288873,"sku":"010145-500g-2605","price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/loose-leaf-shou-pu-erh-tea-2012-imperial-grade-leaf-structure.jpg?v=1779441509","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/loose-leaf-shou-pu-erh-tea-2012-imperial-grade","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}