2016 Lincang Dragon Ball Shou Puerh

This shou (ripe/cooked) puerh from Lincang, Yunnan delivers everything we look for in a daily drinker—smooth, flavorful, and easy to brew. Shou Puerh is made through a careful fermentation process called wòduī (渥堆), where tea leaves are gently piled and warmed to develop their signature dark, rich character. The result is a tea that tastes aged and full-bodied right from the start.

The tea leaves are compressed into a convenient 8g Dragon Ball, perfectly portioned for one session. The shape makes brewing simple—no need to measure—and helps preserve freshness and improve long-term aging. Most Dragon Balls on the market use low-grade tea, especially for shou, which often leads to flat, muddy flavor. That’s why finding one this good felt like a victory, finally a shou that’s both convenient and genuinely satisfying.

Coming from Lincang’s high mountain forests, this tea shows the depth and balance that make the region so well-respected. The nine years of aging since 2016 have given it a thicker, smoother mouthfeel and softened the earthier notes into something round, sweet, and comforting.

The aroma is woody with a touch of smoke and coriander-like spice. Upon drinking, the texture is silky and buttery, carrying notes of barley, warm wood, and a gentle stone-like earthiness. It finishes with a lingering sweetness of dates and molasses that gently rounds out the tea. It’s balanced, grounding, and easy to enjoy any time of day.

How to Brew (Gongfu Style)

• Use a 90-100ml gaiwan or teapot

• Heat water to 204°F (95°C)

• Place one Dragon Ball and give it a quick rinse

• First infusion: 25 seconds to let it open

• Next 8 infusions: 5 seconds each

• After the 8th, add 2–3 seconds per steep for up to 14–15 total infusions.

• For stronger flavor later on, fill the gaiwan only halfway while steeping.

This is a great-value shou for everyday or casual drinking—easy to brew, travel-friendly, and far better in quality than most Dragon Balls you’ll find. Smooth, sweet, and balanced—it’s proof that convenience doesn’t have to compromise flavor.