2014 Three Cranes 45007 Recipe Traditional Liu Bao Hei Cha of Guangxi

45007 is the recipe number for this traditional medium level fermented Liu Bao tea from the oldest producer of Liu Bao in Guangxi (Three Cranes / Wuzhou Tea Factory). Much like ripe pu-erh tea, liu bao is wet piled for several weeks to allow fermentation to take place. The degree of fermentation depends on the amount of time the tea is wet piled and can differ depending on the intended outcome. The 45007 is wet piled for about 24 days and still retains some of its “green” character. The result is a liu bao with only slight bitter, chocolate and betel nut flavors. Very smooth and lubricating, never harsh and with a sweet aftertaste. This has been stored in 42 kilogram baskets since 2014 in Wuzhou (Guangxi). The wet storage conditions there have fast aged this tea, but at the same time the tea is not funky or moldy.