2007 Handpicked Big Leaves Liu Bao Heicha

Aged for 18 years, this 2007 Handpicked Liu Bao Heicha is refreshingly clean and crisp, free of mustiness or heaviness. Instead, it delivers bright spice, light woodiness, and a silky, date-like sweetness, all in a surprisingly light-bodied brew that’s both easy to drink and deeply satisfying—perfect on its own or alongside a rich meal.

Liu bao heicha has been a beloved dark tea from Guangxi, China, for over 1,500 years, prized in Southeast Asia for its digestive benefits and smooth character. Over time, its processing evolved to include wet-piling fermentation, similar to shou puerh, followed by bamboo basket aging, enhancing its rich, mellow flavor.

The large, handpicked leaves remain beautifully intact, ensuring a balanced, smooth brew with zero bitterness, no matter how long you steep it. The flavors unfold naturally—spicy celery seed, coriander, light woodiness, and a cooling herbal finish, with a lingering sweetness that coats the throat. The silky, weightless texture makes each sip refreshing yet deeply satisfying.

Recommended Brewing Instructions:

This tea tastes best when brewed strong, so we recommend brewing it in boiling water in a 300ml glass teapot with 7-8 grams of tea leaves, similar to how we recommend brewing aged white tea. Let it steep for about 10 minutes before enjoying. 

Gongfu Brewing Instructions:

If you don’t have a glass teapot, brew it gongfu style using 7-8g of tea in a 120-150ml teapot. Give it a quick rinse, then steep at 208°F (98°C) for 40 seconds. Subsequent steeps should be about 25-30 seconds, after the 6-7th brew, increase the steep time 5-10 seconds longer per infusion. With this tea there’s no risk of bitterness or dryness even when overbrewed.

This 2007 Liubao is refreshingly complex, with layers of flavor that unfold effortlessly. Smooth, clean, and never overpowering, it’s the perfect aged tea for both distracted tea sessions while working and to accompany hearty meals.

Origin: Guangxi, China

Notes: Celery seeds, coriander, woody, dates