Lao Shou Mei — 2017

A Beautifully Aged White Tea from Fuding Lao Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) is a carefully aged Fuding white tea produced by the renowned Ding Yun Hao Tea Factory, a producer dedicated exclusively to traditional white teas. Crafted from the Spring 2017 harvest, this tea is made from mature leaves with a small proportion of buds before being naturally aged under proper storage conditions. The tea was finally compressed into cakes at the end of 2019, allowing its character to become deeper, smoother, and more refined. This tea is equally enjoyable brewed Gongfu style, steeped in a teapot, simmered over a fire, or prepared in a thermos, making it a versatile companion during colder seasons. Appearance and tasting notes The tea is pressed into an elegant 350 g cake with a soft compression that separates easily using a tea knife or pick. Inside, the leaves are uniform and carefully selected, consisting primarily of large mature leaves with a moderate amount of buds and a small number of stems. The dry leaves produce a warm and expressive aroma with notes of ripe berries, gentle spices, medicinal herbs, flowers, and dried fruits. Once brewed, the liquor becomes soft, rich, and beautifully balanced. The aromatic profile unfolds with floral and berry notes layered with dried herbs, damp wood, wildflowers, warming spices, and sweet fruit. The fragrance is deep, comforting, and long-lasting. The liquor is smooth, juicy, naturally sweet, and wonderfully rounded. A lingering finish leaves pleasant berry brightness with a refreshing touch of gentle acidity. Character and Experience Lao Shou Mei is an elegant aged white tea created for slow, mindful tea sessions. Its warming character makes it especially enjoyable during autumn and winter, while its remarkable versatility allows it to perform beautifully whether brewed Gongfu style, steeped traditionally, simmered over gentle heat, or infused in a thermos. The tea refreshes the senses while promoting a calm, focused state of mind, gentle energy, and a lasting feeling of warmth and comfort throughout the day. How to brew Gongfu Style • Porcelain gaiwan or clay teapot suitable for aged white tea • Water temperature: 90°C (194°F) • Tea-to-water ratio: 3–4 g per 100 ml • Begin with short infusions of 10–20 seconds, increasing each subsequent infusion by 5–10 seconds • Enjoy 6–7 infusions with excellent flavor development. Western Style • Glass or porcelain teapot • Water temperature: 90°C (194°F) • Tea-to-water ratio: 6–8 g per 1 litre • Warm the teapot with hot water, add the tea leaves, pour in the water, and steep for 4–5 minutes before serving. Origin • Tea: Lao Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) • Type: Aged Chinese White Tea • Origin: Fuding, Fujian Province, China • Tea Factory: Ding Yun Hao • Harvest: Spring 2017 • Compression: Late 2019 • Leaf Grade: Mature leaves with young buds • Processing: Naturally aged and traditionally compressed white tea