Elevate your tea experience with this exceptional Hei Cha from Anhui Province, China. Crafted in 1996 and aged in traditional bamboo baskets, this Liu An tea has matured into a bold, rich, and distinctive brew. Its small, dark leaves unfurl into a vibrant golden liquor, brimming with deep medicinal notes and a taste steeped in history. This isn’t just tea—it’s a collector’s gem and a sensory journey. Flavor & Aroma: Bold and UnforgettableSavor a complex blend of woody, earthy tones, accented by a roasted nutty edge and subtle herbal hints. Each sip unfolds new layers—a refined bitterness that evolves into a sweet, lingering finish. The aroma enchants with aged wood, ginseng, and a trace of camphor, evoking the essence of an ancient forest. Mouthfeel & Aftertaste: Smooth and SatisfyingWith a thick, rich texture, this tea delivers a substantial mouthfeel that feels both luxurious and grounding. The aftertaste leaves a cooling sweetness that beckons you back for another sip. Cha Qi (Tea Energy): Calm and StrongThis tea imparts a steady, grounding energy—ideal for quiet contemplation or shared moments with friends. Its vitality endures through multiple infusions, a testament to its meticulous aging process. A Tea With a StorySimilar to Yunnan’s Pu-erh, Liu An is a post-fermented tea perfected through years of aging in bamboo baskets. Harvested in 1996, each 400-gram basket is a rare slice of tea heritage, prized by connoisseurs who seek the finest aged teas. More History of Liu An Tea Liu An Tea was first created in the late Ming to early Qing dynasty. Liu An Tea is primarily produced in Luxi Township, Qimen County, Anhui Province. The production process of traditional Liu An Basket Tea is especially elaborate. The leaves are first pan-fired (kill-green), rolled, sun-dried as maocha, baked, sifted, and winnowed to become green tea. After further sorting, the tea is baked again, exposed overnight to dew, lightly smoked, packed into bamboo baskets, and baked once more. The finished tea must then be aged for two to three years before being released to the market. According to the studies, Liu An Basket Tea is rich in polyphenols. It not only relieves summer heat and quenches thirst, but also aids digestion and offers preventive health benefits. It is considered a long-term wellness tea, particularly suitable for those managing high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. The reason traditional Liu An Tea circulated widely in Guangdong is said to date back to the Qing dynasty, when a physician from Qimen practiced medicine in Foshan, Guangdong. The local summers were hot and humid, and residents were prone to heatstroke and digestive discomfort. The physician prescribed Liu An Tea in place of medicine, and many recovered without additional treatment. Because of its reputed effects in relieving heat, detoxifying, and calming the mind, Liu An Tea gained great fame. By the early 20th century, An Tea was sold throughout Guangdong and Guangxi, Hong Kong and Macau, and Southeast Asia, and was highly esteemed by the local elite and wealthy merchants. Tea: Premium 1996 Liu An Basket Aged TeaWeight Per Basket: 400 grams Origin: An Hui ProvinceTypes: Post-fermented Harvest Period: 1996