Yunnan Tea

what makes Yunnan tea so special?

Yunnan province in southwest China is believed to be the geographic origin of all tea – home to ancient wild tea trees, some of which are hundreds or even thousands of years old. The region’s warm, humid climate, high altitude, and mineral-rich red soils produce leaves of remarkable density and flavour.

But what truly sets Yunnan apart is pu-erh – a post-fermented tea that continues to develop and deepen in complexity over years and decades of careful storage. Like fine wine, the best Yunnan pu-erh improves with age, making it the only tea in the world that collectors actively cellar and trade.

what does Yunnan pu-erh taste like?

Pu-erh comes in two distinct styles, each with a very different character. Raw pu-erh (Sheng) is vibrant and evolving – young Sheng can be bold, astringent, and vegetal, mellowing over years of ageing into something deeply complex, smooth, and subtly sweet. Aged Sheng like our 2015 Snow Kissed Braids and 2009 Dome Shaped Tuo Cha have already begun this transformation, offering layers of dried fruit, forest floor, and a long, warming finish.

Ripe pu-erh (Shou) is processed to accelerate fermentation, producing a cup that is earthy, dark, and smooth from the outset – rich, almost coffee-like in depth, with a warming quality that makes it a deeply comforting drink. Our 2012 and 2013 Shou varieties showcase this style across different infusions and flavour profiles, from chrysanthemum and rose to sticky rice.

The 1999 Golden Nuggets Supreme Pu-erh represents over two decades of careful ageing – a cup of extraordinary depth and maturity that speaks quietly of time, patience, and the unique terroir of Yunnan.

how to brew Yunnan pu-erh

Pu-erh thrives with fully boiling water – unlike green or white teas, it benefits from the heat to open up its flavour and cut through any earthiness.

Water temperature: 95-100°C

Amount: 3-5g per 350ml (or 1 mini tuo cha per cup)

Steep time: 20-30 seconds for the first infusion; gradually increasing with each re-steep

Infusions: High-quality pu-erh is designed for multiple re-steeps – aged teas in particular can yield eight or more infusions, each one evolving in character.

is Yunnan pu-erh caffeinated?

Yes. Pu-erh contains moderate-to-high levels of caffeine – typically 40-70mg per cup, depending on the tea and brewing time. Its caffeine is complemented by L-Theanine, which promotes calm focus rather than a sharp energy spike.

Many pu-erh drinkers find it a grounding, centring alternative to coffee – rich and satisfying, but without the jitters.

what are the health benefits?

Pu-erh has been prized in Chinese medicine for centuries for its digestive properties. The fermentation process produces beneficial microorganisms and compounds that support gut health, aid digestion, and are associated with cholesterol management and metabolic support.

Aged pu-erh in particular develops unique bioactive compounds through its long fermentation that are not found in any other tea – making it one of the most studied and traditionally valued teas in the world for wellness.

Yunnan teas at a glance

Our Yunnan collection spans raw and ripe pu-erh across a remarkable range of vintages and formats.

Premium Aged Sheng Pu-erh in Bamboo Tube: An artisan raw pu-erh presented in a traditional bamboo tube – a collector’s piece as much as a tea.

2015 Snow Kissed Raw Pu-erh Braids: An elegantly formed Sheng pu-erh with a clean, lively character that will continue to evolve beautifully with age.

2013 Golden Buds Ripe Pu-erh Brick: A premium Shou pu-erh pressed into traditional brick form – rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying.

2012 Mini Tuo Cha Range (Chrysanthemum, Sticky Rice, Rose): Individually portioned ripe pu-erh nests, each scented with a different botanical for a unique flavour twist on a classic style.

2009 Dome Shaped Sheng Tuo Cha: A beautifully aged raw pu-erh in the iconic dome shape – well into its maturation, with a smooth, complex cup that rewards patient brewing.

1999 Golden Nuggets Supreme Pu-erh: Over twenty-five years of ageing in a single cup – earthy, deep, and extraordinarily complex. A rare opportunity to experience truly aged pu-erh.

can you cold brew Yunnan pu-erh?

Cold brewing is less traditional for pu-erh, but ripe Shou teas can be cold-steeped to produce a smooth, naturally sweet dark brew with reduced bitterness.

Add 5g of ripe pu-erh to 500ml of cold water and steep in the fridge for 8-12 hours.

The result is mellow and earthy – a surprisingly refreshing cold drink for pu-erh enthusiasts.

how should I store Yunnan pu-erh?

Pu-erh is the only tea that actively benefits from long-term storage. Keep it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from strong odours and direct light – it needs airflow to continue its slow fermentation and ageing process.

Unlike green or white teas, there is no rush to drink pu-erh. The best aged pieces in our collection have been patiently stored for over a decade, and the difference is unmistakable in the cup.

is Yunnan pu-erh good for beginners?

Ripe Shou pu-erh is an excellent starting point – smooth, rich, and immediately satisfying, with none of the astringency that raw Sheng can have in its youth. The Mini Tuo Cha range is particularly approachable, offering individual portions with added botanical flavours.

For the curious and adventurous, an aged Sheng like our 1999 Golden Nuggets offers a genuinely rare experience – a window into tea as a living, evolving thing, shaped as much by time as by terroir.