A ridiculously delicious Liu Bao which showcases the joys of aged tea. Cavernous, antique and spiced with a long and sweet finish.
How did I forget this tea?
Our 2003 Antique Nectar arrived at our warehouse at the end of 2023, and I was about to release it as a big December launch. But the release schedule became too hectic, so I stored the tea away for a month or so.
And then I forgot about it!
It was only on a recent LIVE TEA SESSION that watchers reminded me that I had not released a ripe tea for ages, and I was reminded that this treasure was waiting!
And wow, is this tea a treat to rediscover.
Made from the Gui Qing original heirloom variety in Liu Bao, this tea is OLD-SCHOOL in all the right ways - fermented perfectly and clean aged for over 20 years.
Sipping this tea is like being blasted back in time. It transports you to ancient churches, antique houses and archaic caverns carved by nature into mountains.
The aroma hits you with dark woods, crypts and leather-bound books. Then there is this dancing alcoholic note like varnish, shoe polish and brandy.
A forest nuttiness of brazil and betel nuts add mid notes blended with the sweetness of caramel, the spice of cinnamon and the comforting yeastiness of fluffy Belgian waffles.
On top of it all is a bright, clean and invigorating character of rocks and dried orange zest with a finish reminiscent of flambed crepe-suzette!
The Cha Qi on this 22 year old beauty is similarly potent. The digestif qualities are noticeable from the first cup with a gurgling warmth. Then, as you sip on the sweet, resinous antique liquor, you are elevated to a feeling of focus and calm coupled with a light-headed high - as if you have taken a huge inhale of oxygen-rich mountain air.
This is the archetypal taste of a pinnacle-aged Liu Bao and I am thrilled to have it back in my collection!
