2013 XiaGuan Xiao Fa TuoCha Ripe/Cooked Puer - from Trailhead Tea, Sedona, Arizona
An AGED RIPE/COOKED/SHU PUER "TuoCha" that was dry-stored in XiaGuan since 2013, before we purchased in 2018. It comes in its tight-lidded box which provided the proper storage throughout the years. It has a strong, real aged taste that's not as complex as the raw, but very mellow.
The XiaGuan Tea Factory, built in the 1940's, is found near the old city of Dali in the Yunnan Province of China, where the TuoCha is originally made. Tightly compressing puer in the shape of a small bowl or birds nest was developed for easier transport and trading.
We were able to acquire a few items from XiaGuan when we visited the factory and its museum in October 2018. We were not allowed to enter the main part of the factory, since the viewing of puer production with the most prominent producers is off limits to foreigners, and considered a state secret. We were able to see and participate with puer production in smaller settings within Yunnan Province.
MODERATELY to HIGHLY CAFFEINATED (approx 30 to 50% of the caffeine as coffee)
AVAILABLE AS: WHOLE 3.5 OZ (100g) TuoCha & Box, 1/2 OZ TastingSample
The whole TuoCha is 3.5 ounces of compressed tea, which yields approximately 33 first cups. Tasting sample is 1/2 ounce for about 4-5 cups.
BREWING: One broken piece the size of a teaspoon about 3 grams) for every 8 oz of boiling 200-212°F fresh water. Steep for 1-2 minutes or to desired taste. Can re-infuse up to 10 times by adding 15-30 seconds to each additional infusion.
Trailhead Tea: Sedona & Northern Arizona's Full-Leaf Tea Department Store
