2002羣记茶庄易武熟茶

The 2002 群记茶庄易武熟茶 refers to a ripe Pu-erh (shou pu-erh, 熟茶) produced by Qun Ji Tea House (群记茶庄), a boutique tea producer, using tea leaves from the renowned Yiwu (易武) tea region in Yunnan Province, China. This tea is notable for its high-quality craftsmanship, origin, and the era of its production, making it a valuable and collectible item among Pu-erh tea enthusiasts.

Background of the Tea

1. Yiwu Tea Region (易武)

• Historical Importance:
  • Yiwu is one of the six famous ancient tea mountains in Yunnan and has been a key region for Pu-erh production for centuries.
  • During the Qing Dynasty, Yiwu was a hub for imperial tribute tea (贡茶), known for its smooth, sweet, and elegant flavor profile.
• Terroir:
  • Yiwu tea gardens are located in lush, subtropical forests at high altitudes, providing an ideal environment for tea growth.
  • The ancient tea trees in Yiwu contribute to the tea’s complexity and depth.

2. Ripe Pu-erh (熟茶)

• Fermentation Process:
  • Ripe Pu-erh undergoes an artificial fermentation process (wo dui 渥堆) that accelerates aging, creating a tea with smooth, earthy, and mellow flavors.
  • The fermentation process gives ripe Pu-erh its characteristic dark color and rich aroma.
• Flavor Profile of Yiwu Ripe Tea:
  • Yiwu ripe teas are known for their soft, balanced flavors, with a hint of sweetness, minimal bitterness, and a smooth, full-bodied texture.

3. Qun Ji Tea House (群记茶庄)

• About the Producer:
  • Qun Ji Tea House was a boutique tea producer known for its commitment to traditional methods and sourcing high-quality leaves from renowned tea regions.
  • The tea house is respected for its limited-edition productions, making teas like the 2002 Yiwu Ripe Pu-erh highly collectible.
• Packaging:
  • The cake in the image showcases a classic design, with blue ink and traditional illustrations, emphasizing its authenticity and connection to Pu-erh tea heritage.
  • The text highlights its Yiwu origin and production year, ensuring traceability and reliability.

Characteristics of the 2002 Yiwu Ripe Pu-erh

Aroma:

• Rich, earthy scent with notes of aged wood, dried fruit, and a hint of cocoa or molasses.
• A subtle sweetness, reminiscent of dried dates or longan.

Flavor:

• Smooth and Mellow: The tea is balanced, with no harsh bitterness or astringency.
• Earthy Depth: Deep, grounding flavors of wet earth, aged wood, and mushrooms.
• Sweet Aftertaste: A gentle sweetness lingers on the palate, characteristic of well-made Yiwu tea.

Mouthfeel:

• Full-bodied and silky, with a warming sensation and a clean finish.

Aging Potential:

• With over 20 years of aging, the tea has likely developed a more refined and mature flavor profile.
• Proper storage enhances the richness and smoothness over time, making it even more valuable to collectors.

Why This Tea is Special

• Prestigious Origin:
  • Tea from the Yiwu region is highly sought after for its historical significance and exceptional quality.
• Rare Vintage:
  • Aged ripe Pu-erh from 2002 is now highly collectible, offering both a unique flavor experience and an investment opportunity.
• Limited Production:
  • Produced by the boutique Qun Ji Tea House, this tea is a rare find, adding to its exclusivity.
• Flavor and Aging:
  • The tea’s smooth and mellow profile, combined with over two decades of aging, ensures a rich, complex experience with every brew.