Xiaguan Jia Ji Tuo Cha (甲級沱茶) is a legendary raw Pu Er (sheng cha) that has been enjoyed for generations since its debut in the early 1950s. Pressed into Xiaguan’s iconic 100-gram tuo and wrapped in classic pine-green paper, this tea offers a bold, invigorating profile with remarkable ageing potential. Affordable, dependable, and deeply satisfying, Jia Ji Tuo is the kind of everyday Pu Er that quickly earns a permanent place in your tea shelf—whether you drink it young or lay it down to transform with time. First developed in the early 1950s, with regular production beginning around 1951, the Jia Ji recipe has been in continuous production for more than seven decades, making it one of the longest-running and most recognisable factory Pu Er teas in the world. Jia Ji Tuo has long served as the benchmark for everyday sheng Pu Er—reliable, assertive, and built for long-term ageing. Its accessibility and consistency have made it a staple for daily drinking, while its structure and durability have earned it a loyal following among collectors. The name “Jia Ji” translates to “First Grade,” referring to the original factory grading system rather than delicacy. Unlike bud-heavy premium grades, Jia Ji is blended with a higher proportion of mature leaves sourced from Yunnan’s large-leaf tea regions, favouring strength, balance, and longevity. This approach reflects the utilitarian origins of the recipe, which was designed to withstand transport, storage, and long ageing while delivering a distinctly bold character. Type: Raw Pu Er (Sheng Cha)Material: Yunnan Da Ye Zhong (Large-leaf varietal), sun-dried. The “First Grade” Character: Structure, Power, and Longevity The defining feature of Jia Ji Tuo lies in its leaf selection and blending philosophy. Emphasizing mature leaf material over buds, the tea presents firm bitterness, mineral weight, and a cooling, persistent aftertaste (hui gan). These qualities provide the backbone necessary for steady, transformative ageing, gradually yielding sweetness, medicinal notes, and depth over time. These teas have been dry aged in Richmond, British Columbia, since 2015. Which one should you get? Our suggestion: Try them all! Their price is quite affordable. Stock up on whichever you like the most, to age at home and share with friends in years to come. About Xiaguan Tuo Cha Founded in 1902, Xiaguan is a company with a rich history, including caravans from Yunnan to Tibet and a leading part in the development of 'cooked' Pu Er in the 1970s.
