• Year: Various years

• Region: Yunnan

• Production method: Handmade

• Fermentation level: High

• Caffeine level: Low

• Aroma: Dried dates, caramel

• Flavour: Honey, mellow

• Colour: Maroon

• Format: Loose

This chatou, a shou pu-er masterpiece, was meticulously crafted between 2008-2018 by the esteemed Master Zhuang Jingli. As the former Chief Quality Supervisor at Menghai Tea Factory, Master Zhuang’s expertise in fermentation and blending techniques is unparalleled, making this tea a true testament to her mastery. 

This shou pu-er, brewed to perfection, unveils a dark red liquor with a rich honey flavour and a lingering jasmine rice aroma. This chatou is a mixture of the ones hand-picked from wodui piles made between 2008-2018 and has been post-fermented since then, resulting in a complex and unique flavour profile. The unique flavour profile of this tea, with its honey notes and jasmine rice aroma, promises a truly delightful and intriguing tasting experience that will excite your senses and leave you craving for more.

Chatou means “tea nuggets”, the clustered tea produced during the modern pile-fermentation technology known as wodui on maocha. The massive pile of tea is stirred occasionally to reduce the high temperature and prevent over-fermentation. Such turning motion causes tea leaves to release pectin, which acts like glue that agglomerates the leaves within the pile to form nuggets or chatou. Due to weight, the nuggets at the bottom of the fermentation pile are pressed more tightly, and their fermentation level is higher. One batch of fermentation process produces 1-1.5% of chatou by weight. Tea leaves high in sugar and pectin form nuggets more easily. Compared to loose leaf shou pu-er from the same batch, chatou has a higher fermentation level with a higher sugar level, therefore producing richer liquid.

Shou pu-er, with its warming properties, is not only a treat for the senses but also a boon for your health. This tea demonstrates a broad spectrum of health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, breaking down grease, and promoting healthy weight loss. With each sip, you can be reassured that you’re not just enjoying a delicious tea, but also taking a significant step towards a healthier lifestyle. This assurance and the health benefits make it a must-have for your tea collection.