Yi Wu Shou PuEr Tuo Cha 2001 易武普洱熟茶 250g

$180.00

A Rare Gem for Shou Pu-erh Connoisseurs
While lovers of Shou pu-erh may be well-acquainted with the bold, earthy "Menghai style," few have encountered the refined elegance of an aged Yiwu Shou pu-erh. This 2001 vintage offers a rare opportunity to explore the subtler side of fermented tea, crafted from one of Pu-erh's most revered terroirs.

Liquor Profile

Colour: The tea brews a luminous, translucent mahogany-red, deepening to a rich amber hue in later infusions. A delicate golden halo shimmers at the rim of the cup—a hallmark of well-aged fermentation.
Flavour: A silken cascade of wildflower honey and stewed apricot unfolds across the palate, underpinned by whispers of antique cedarwood and distant forest loam. The signature "Yiwu softness" manifests as a rounded sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar dissolving on the tongue.
Mouthfeel: Velvety and coating with heaviness, this tea glides over the palate like liquid silk. A cooling sensation lingers at the back of the throat—an intriguing contrast to the warm, chestnut-like aftertaste.

Body Sensation
The tea radiates gentle warmth from the solar plexus outward, creating a comforting "tea blanket" effect. Long-steeped infusions may induce a light perspiration at the hairline—a prized "cha-qi" response indicating active aged compounds. The overall experience is one of centering calmness, making it ideal for contemplative afternoon sessions.

Why Yiwu Shou Pu-erh Remains Elusive

Premium Raw Material Costs
Yiwu's status as Pu-erh's "Imperial County" has seen its raw maocha prices soar, particularly for the plump buds and slender stems that define this tea. While most producers reserve such prized leaves for raw pu-erh (where Yiwu's floral elegance commands top prices), we've taken the bold step of fermenting these premium leaves—a luxury few can justify economically.
High-Stakes Fermentation
Traditional wet-pilling fermentation (wo dui) becomes exponentially riskier with premium material. Our 24-year-old batch represents a technical triumph—maintaining Yiwu's delicate terroir characteristics through precise moisture and temperature control Most commercial operations cannot risk fermenting small batches of such valuable leaves.
The Menghai Monopoly
Since the 1990s, the market has been conditioned to associate ripe pu-erh with Menghai's robust profile. This 2001 Yiwu challenges that paradigm, offering an entirely new spectrum of fermented tea appreciation—one that rewards patient sipping rather than immediate intensity.

Technical Specifications

Material: Spring-harvested Yiwu arbour tea (buds:leaf:stem ≈ 3:5:2)
Fermentation: 2001 first-wave fermentation under Master Li's supervision
Storage: Dry Kunming aging until 2010, followed by controlled Singapore maturation

A Limited Opportunity
Of the original 2001 production, only 37 tuo remain in private hands. This re-release from our member archives represents a vanishing chance to acquire a piece of ripened Yiwu history.