Friday Afternoon
Lao Cha Tuo "Old Tea Head" Shou Puer
Lao Cha Tuo "Old Tea Head" Shou Puer
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This tea is one of our Pure Aged selections. Check out the entire delicious collection here!
These delicious bundles of aged joy are named "Lao Cha Tuo" or "Old Tea Head" as they are both the ugliest and the tastiest, so are typically for the head of the tea garden to enjoy. Lao Cha Tuo forms naturally under the intense heat and pressure of the Shou Puer fermentation pile: hence their "Lumpy Boys" shape! They can be infused easily 5-30 times before losing flavor, depending on method of infusion. A full-leaf tea plucked in 2016 that is full-bodied, rich and earthy. Happy sipping!
Ingredients: Cooked puer tea
Approximately 60mg of caffeine per cup
Steep at 212° F or 100°C for 3-5 minutes.
Customer Reviews
Friday Afternoon Tea's Lao Cha Tuo "Old Tea Head" Shou Puer has quickly become one of my all-time favorite puer teas. This tea impresses with its thick, rich, and dark character, delivering a deeply satisfying experience from the very first sip. The flavor profile is beautifully complex, featuring distinct notes of minerals, warm mahogany, and a subtle honey sweetness that balances perfectly. Whether enjoyed plain or with a touch of sugar, it remains deliciously harmonious.
One of the most remarkable qualities of this tea is its exceptional resilience to multiple infusions. I have personally re-steeped a single piece up to 20 times, each brew maintaining its intensity and depth, which speaks to the high quality and careful aging of the leaves. This longevity makes it a rare and valuable tea to savor slowly, ideal for special occasions or moments when you want to indulge in something truly memorable.
The "Old Tea Head" bundles, naturally formed under the heat and pressure of the Shou Puer fermentation process, offer a unique and authentic experience that reflects the tradition and craftsmanship behind this tea. Although it is currently out of stock, I am eagerly awaiting its return to the Friday Afternoon Tea collection, as it is a treasure worth having on hand.
Overall, I give Lao Cha Tuo "Old Tea Head" Shou Puer a full five stars for its rich complexity, impressive re-steepability, and deeply satisfying flavor. It is a tea I absolutely love and look forward to enjoying again and again.