Red Ocean Gushu Raw Puerh

Red Ocean Gushu Raw Puerh (红海棠古树茶) is a lesser-known but remarkable tea that originates from ancient tea trees in Yunnan, specifically in the Lincang area. The trees used for this teas are often centuries old, contributing to its rich flavor profile. The tea is known for its slightly bitter yet mellow taste, which transitions into a long-lasting sweetness, a characteristic often associated with well-aged puerh teas.

One of the distinguishing features of 红海棠古树茶 is its smooth and full-bodied texture, with floral and honeyed notes that linger on the palate. The tea's bright golden liquor and the minimal astringency add to its delicate complexity. The leaves themselves are thick, resilient, and richly aromatic, reflecting the high-quality environment in which they are grown. The tea benefits from Yunnan's high-altitude growing conditions, fertile soil, and natural spring water, all of which help to create a tea with remarkable clarity and depth in flavor.

In terms of value, Red Ocean Puerh offers an excellent balance between quality and price. Its aging potential is another highlight, as the tea matures beautifully over time, enhancing its already complex flavors.

Brewing Instructions (Gongfu Method)

For the best experience, use a 120ml gaiwan or small teapot and good-quality spring water. Follow these steps to brew this Puerh:

1. Boil the water and use it to preheat your gaiwan or teapot and rinse the tea leaves briefly.
2. First Infusion: Use about 5-6 grams of tea. After rinsing, steep the tea for just 3 seconds on the first infusion.
3. Subsequent Infusions: Steep for 3 seconds for the next 7-8 infusions, enjoying the tea’s evolving flavors.
4. Later Infusions: After the 8th infusion, start to gradually increase the steeping time by 5-10 seconds with each infusion.
5. Total Infusions: You should be able to enjoy up to 20 infusions, experiencing the tea’s smooth sweetness, light floral notes, and velvety texture throughout.