1966 Aged Beipu

Story

We acquired this tea from a collector in Taipei. He has been holding on to this tea for many years. Beipu is a rural township in Taiwan's Hsinchu county, nestled up against Miaoli county. Tea was produced for export in these counties in the 20th century, so there are lots of aged oolong teas that hail from Hsinchu and Miaoli.

This is the same batch of 1966 Beipu as before. We didn't realize there was more available, but our collector friend searched through his warehouse and discovered yet another bag! Lucky!! This is a 55 year old tea. We're happy to have a solid example of old OLD oolong on our regular line-up.

Description

Dry leaves have a dried fruit scent, and when wet it turns woody, herbal and medicinal. Big, bold aged oolong flavor in the broth with a nice mixture of minerality, wood and dried fruit. The broth is rich; it coats the mouth and throat and lingers. After swallowing, the flavorful tea gives way to a comforting salivation effect and a sweet feeling. The energy is vigorous and strong, especially for a 55 year old oolong. 

Practically EVERYONE wants to try aged tea, especially at this age. When we brew it for customers, it garners the most obvious reactions from everyone at the table. Some people just release a long breath and settle into their chair, and others smile and say 'it's nice' but don't finish the cup, yet others gulp it down as if it's a long lost friend. The flavor of aged oolong is very unique, with a note that some people call 'grandma's basement' or old books. 

If you already love this tea I'm happy to say, "congratulations! We have more!". If you're new to aged oolong start small and give it a try. For me, aged oolong is a health tonic of sorts. I drink it when the weather is cold or if my body is feeling a little off.

Brewing Tips

Aged oolong is like a princess, or so our teacher says, so be sure to give it a real gentle pour. This particular tea is pretty easygoing, but if you tip the hot water in gently with a grounded motion it will reward you with a smoother broth and rounder flavor.

Facts

• Harvest Location : Beipu, Hsinchu, Taiwan
• Harvest Date : 1966
• Aged in Beipu and Taipei
• Cultivar : ???

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