When recommending tea, we consider the following three critical factors:
- Material
Where the tea trees grow is paramount. The teas we recommend come from renowned locations such as Banzhang Village and Yiwu Mountain. We also prioritize teas made from ancient trees, as these offer superior quality and a richer, more complex flavor profile. - Timing
- Harvest Season: Were the leaves picked before the Qingming Festival or in the autumn? Typically, tea leaves harvested before Qingming yield better quality.
- Aging Period: How long has the tea been stored? The taste of Puer tea evolves significantly over time—20-year, 30-year, and 40-year-aged teas each offer distinct flavor characteristics.
- Storage Conditions
Proper storage is essential for preserving the quality and enhancing the aging potential of Puer tea. Only teas stored in optimal conditions are worth considering for investment or consumption.
Why We Recommend These Three Teas
The three teas we recommend represent the pinnacle of quality:
These teas are ideal for both drinking and long-term investment, comparable to iconic fine wines like La Romanée-Conti or the First Growth Bordeaux wineries. These teas, sourced from top regions (such as Banzhang and Yiwu) and aged for 20+ years, exemplify high quality and value.
Teas aged around 30 years strike the perfect balance between taste and appreciation potential, making them an excellent choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What We Avoid
We do not recommend:
- Teas under 20 years old or made with inferior material, as they lack market value despite their abundance.
- Teas over 40 years old, as their prices are prohibitively high and often less viable for collection or appreciation.
By focusing on high-quality teas from the best regions and with proper aging, we ensure every recommendation reflects the highest standards in the Puer tea world.