Emperor Pu-erh 1998
Pu-erh Tea by Red Blossom Tea Company
Emperor grade pu-erh teas were first crafted as tributary teas for the Chinese emperor. Only fine young leaves were thought worthy for these imperial gifts. While crafted in Menghai County of Yunnan, our 1998 Emperor Pu-erh was acquired from Guangzhou, where the higher humidity gives the tea a thick, smooth quality. A return to the lower humidity Northern California climate in 2006 has slowed the aging process, allowing the tea to develop more complexity over time.
Emperor grade pu-erhs are typically finished as shou or finished teas – a process that mimics the slow gradual aging of sheng pu-erhs. The result is a tea that is slightly malty and rich – with a robust character that brings to mind earth after rain, dried leaves, tobacco and scotch.
