1990 Liu An Basket Aged Tea

Pulled from our private reserves, this 1990s Liu An Basket-Aged Tea is a rare find, shaped by time and care. Sourced from China’s tea regions over 20 years ago, when our shop was just starting, it matured in Vancouver’s cool, dry storage. After decades of slow change, it’s now a deeply aged tea—complex, interesting, and set to develop further with age.

Aging & Storage: A Tale of Two Worlds
This tea started in China, where it aged in a warmer, humid environment at first, taking in the strong character of its origins. Later, it moved to Vancouver’s dry, temperate conditions—different from the humid climates typical of many aged teas, including its early days. This mix of environments has kept and boosted the bold, earthy depth of Liu An teas. Starting warm and moist, then shifting to cool and dry, it’s a tea built on balance and careful handling.

Flavor & Aroma: Deeply Aged, Richly Complex
Each steep brings out flavors from its long aging: aged wood, a hint of medicinal herbs, and a touch of roasted nuts. The tea uses medium-sized leaves and some branches in the recipes, so the taste is mellow—softening its strength into something smooth and easy. It starts with an earthy smokiness, then turns into a warm, rounded cup with a light sweetness that sticks around. The smell tells its story—camphor, old timber, and a bit of dried ginseng blend together for a grounding, memorable experience.

Mouthfeel & Aftertaste: Silky and Lasting
The tea pours thick and full, feeling smooth and rich on the tongue. It leaves an aftertaste that builds slowly—fresh but lasting, with a cool, minty hint that keeps it enjoyable long after the sip.

Cha Qi (Tea Energy): A Deep, Meditative Calm
This tea has a steady, calming energy that settles you down. It’s great for quiet moments, tea rituals, or a break in the day—both grounding and refreshing. Its energy matches its slow aging, encouraging you to relax and take it in.

A Tea That Keeps Evolving
With over 20 years of aging behind it and more to come, this 1990s Liu An Basket-Aged Tea shows what aged Hei Cha can be. It gets deeper every year, making it a keeper’s prize and a taste of history. More than just tea, it’s something to enjoy—a payoff for patience and a treat for the curious, linking its past to what’s ahead.