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.
For the price, this tea exceeded my expectations. Honestly it was just great, regardless of price. Would buy again even if it were more expensive. First experience with tea and whisk and will definitely be purchasing more teas :)
C
Corbin (Salt Lake City, US)
Interesting
Definitely has an aged, fermented taste with a strong finish. Kind of fruity, kind of earthy. My go-to for a morning cup of tea.
R
Rosemary (Ypsilanti, US)
Tasty
I really enjoyed this tea! It has a deep fruity flavor that remains and evolves as you continue to steep it.
A
Anonymous (Newark, US)
Pleasant Shou
This is a very pleasant shou puer without much of the wet pile funkiness (or fishiness) in the initial aromas and flavor. The minerality is present with a soft woodier flavor/aroma and hints of jujube/dried dark fruit as an aftertaste. As you continue to steep, the darker fruits become more forward (steep 8 or so). Mouthfeel is very soft and round with a nice tea drunk feeling.
Missing the final star for lack of wow factor and overall simple flavor. However, this would be a nice (albeit pricier) intro option for someone interested in Lincang puer.
W
Walter (Las Vegas, US)
Excellent everyday shou
I wish I could do 4.5 stars because 4 seems low but 5 is high. You will find better shou puerh out there (and at Tea and Whisk), however the dragonball at this price is an excellent value. Beyond the tasting notes listed above, the ball itself is perfectly compressed, opening early and giving you the richness you want. Excellent tea.
5 stars: 3 (60%)
4 stars: 2 (40%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
A
Anonymous (Newark, US)
Pleasant Shou
This is a very pleasant shou puer without much of the wet pile funkiness (or fishiness) in the initial aromas and flavor. The minerality is present with a soft woodier flavor/aroma and hints of jujube/dried dark fruit as an aftertaste. As you continue to steep, the darker fruits become more forward (steep 8 or so). Mouthfeel is very soft and round with a nice tea drunk feeling.
Missing the final star for lack of wow factor and overall simple flavor. However, this would be a nice (albeit pricier) intro option for someone interested in Lincang puer.
C
Cade (Dallas, US)
Great value
For the price, this tea exceeded my expectations. Honestly it was just great, regardless of price. Would buy again even if it were more expensive. First experience with tea and whisk and will definitely be purchasing more teas :)
C
Corbin (Salt Lake City, US)
Interesting
Definitely has an aged, fermented taste with a strong finish. Kind of fruity, kind of earthy. My go-to for a morning cup of tea.
R
Rosemary (Ypsilanti, US)
Tasty
I really enjoyed this tea! It has a deep fruity flavor that remains and evolves as you continue to steep it.
W
Walter (Las Vegas, US)
Excellent everyday shou
I wish I could do 4.5 stars because 4 seems low but 5 is high. You will find better shou puerh out there (and at Tea and Whisk), however the dragonball at this price is an excellent value. Beyond the tasting notes listed above, the ball itself is perfectly compressed, opening early and giving you the richness you want. Excellent tea.
