1991 CNNP "The Wall" shou puerh

This tea was produced 33 years ago under the very technical acronym CNNP, a state-run company that managed all the larger tea factories in Yunnan, that were gradually privatized during 1980's and 1990's. Largest, huang pian grade leaves were used - picked in Menghai county in 1991 - sometimes referred to as 'waste leaf' - nevertheless, for teas of this era, even this grade of leaves are getting rare and quite expensive on the market. The piling for fermentation was done lighter and for shorter duration, the tea was compressed into 200 gram bricks and were exported to Taiwan, where the wet and hot climate is perfect for storing and aging puerh. The tea is sweet and soft, without any bitterness, and has a specific dried plum and walnut flavour. The aroma brings to mind old crammed bookshops. Longer steepings recommended! It's also great for boiling!