Wenshan Aged Baozhong 1986

Most Baozhong teas are enjoyed within a year or two of harvest, prized for their fresh floral fragrance and vibrant green character. But tucked away in the collections of some Taiwanese tea makers are rare lots that have been allowed to age for years, sometimes intentionally and sometimes simply forgotten. These teas offer a glimpse into a side of Baozhong that few people ever experience.

No two aged Baozhongs are exactly alike. Each reflects its own harvest, storage, and the quiet influence of time, making every lot a singular expression of Taiwanese tea craftsmanship. For those who have only experienced fresh Baozhong, an aged version offers a fascinating reminder that tea, much like wine, continues to evolve long after it leaves the garden.

Our version was discovered on one of our tea scouting trips to Taiwan. We were fortunate enough to be allowed access to a tea makers collection of aged Baozhongs, produced and stored by his father since 1986. As the years passed, the leaves slowly transformed. Once bright green, they have deepened to a rich mahogany brown as gentle oxidation and time reshaped their character. The lively floral notes have mellowed into aromas of dried fruit, cedar, warming spices, and sweet herbs. In the cup, the tea is remarkably smooth yet surprisingly complex, rivaling some of the finest aged puerhs. This tea delivers an immediate, grounding cha qi that experienced drinkers will appreciate.