{"title":"Home page","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"2000-diamond-ripe-brick","title":"2000 Shou Puer Diamond Brick","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis diamond-shaped ripe puer brick offers a deeply satisfying experience. Since production, the tea has undergone a period of natural storage in Taiwan, where moderate humidity has helped develop a smoother, mellower texture and greater richness. The liquor brews dark and concentrated, with impressive body and depth. Notes of wood and dried fruit emerge in the cup, and particularly sensitive palates may also notice a subtle bamboo note imparted by the bamboo shell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeyond flavor, the tea carries a notably calming character, often leaving the body feeling relaxed and at ease throughout the session. For those who appreciate well-aged shou puer, this is an especially satisfying example—and one I am very pleased to recommend.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"Whole Brick 300g","offer_id":47844542284035,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47844542251267,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/diamond01.jpg?v=1773801715"},{"product_id":"2011-taiji-yuan-cha","title":"2011 Taiji Yuan Cha","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"331\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDeng Shi Hai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is well known for his belief that puer tea improves with age. His teas are crafted with this philosophy in mind and are produced specifically for long-term aging, intended to evolve and deepen over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"333\" data-end=\"676\"\u003eThe material used for this cake comes from Fengqing County in Lincang Prefecture. Deng Shi Hai selected leaves from this region at a time when material from some of the more famous tea mountains was beginning to show the effects of overharvesting, choosing instead to work with tea that still reflected the vitality and strength of its origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"1027\"\u003eThe flavor profile of this tea is complex and engaging, unfolding and shifting over the course of a session. The tea soup is satisfyingly thick and smooth, with a touch of bite. The aftertaste is pronounced and lingering, and the tea carries a strong energy, making it especially well suited for a focused, attentive session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1029\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003eThis tea has been stored in Taiwan and was acquired through a member of the \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDeng Shi Hai Puer Research Institute\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Its authenticity as a Deng Shi Hai production is guaranteed. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1643\"\u003ePlease note that the wrappers on these cakes show evidence of insect activity, in some cases quite pronounced. This is not uncommon with naturally aged puer, as insects are often attracted to the paper wrappers rather than the tea itself. This cosmetic issue does not affect the quality of the tea. The cakes have aged very well and perform beautifully in the cup. Those who prefer pristine wrappers may wish to consider other offerings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"Full Cake 380g","offer_id":47844062888195,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47844062920963,"sku":null,"price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/11_taiji01.jpg?v=1773802690"},{"product_id":"2013-good-luck-ripe-brick","title":"2013 Good Luck Shou Brick","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"311\"\u003eAs many people know, Deng Shi Hai (DSH) holds legendary status in the world of puer. One of his greatest contributions, in my view, was helping transform something once seen as a crude, everyday beverage into a true art form. His work made it possible for many of us to become the puer enthusiasts we are today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"662\"\u003eOver the years, DSH produced many teas, including this 2013 “Good Luck” Ripe Brick. Rather than following the modern trend of producing puer that is ready to drink immediately, he crafted his teas with aging in mind. This philosophy is fitting, as he is widely credited with popularizing the phrase 越陳越香, often translated as “the older, the better.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"1029\"\u003eThe leaf material used for this brick comes from Fengqing County in Lincang Prefecture and is described in Chinese as 無公害, meaning cleanly grown and free from agricultural contaminants. The tea feels notably clean and easy for the body to receive. Even after drinking many strong cups, it leaves no sense of heaviness and has a satisfying, thirst-quenching quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1031\" data-end=\"1827\"\u003eIn Taiwan, the flavor profile of the 2013 “Good Luck” Ripe Brick would likely fall into the category of 棗香, or “date aroma.” In the West, drinkers often describe this character using comparisons to various dried fruits. That said, the tea is not overly sweet. When pushed, a gentle underlying bitterness emerges, giving the tea a nice balance in flavor. At the same time, it is far from mild. Many “date aroma” ripe puers tend to lean toward the softer side, but this one carries a satisfying strength and responds particularly well to stronger brewing. Although some of the material leans slightly toward the more mature side, the tea still maintains a lively body and never feels flat. It offers a strong aftertaste, a mouth-watering finish, and even shows impressive endurance for a ripe puer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1956\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWhile it is priced somewhat higher than most factory ripes of a similar age, I believe it comfortably outperforms many of them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"Full Brick 250g","offer_id":47844163617027,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47844163649795,"sku":null,"price":7.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/IMG_0135.jpg?v=1773631012"},{"product_id":"heirloom-oolong","title":"Taiwan Heirloom Oolong","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis aged oolong is a tea with both character and a story behind it. It came into my hands through a close friend of my wife’s family, almost by chance. This is often how truly special teas are found—they rarely appear through ordinary retail channels. Access comes through relationships built on the ground and developed over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tea has remained within our friend’s family since it was acquired from the widow of a farmer in Guoxing Township, Nantou County, around two decades ago. The farmer both produced his own tea and collected teas from other local farmers in the area. These teas were largely produced in Nantou’s traditional lower-elevation tea-growing regions and made in the older open-leaf style common before the tighter rolled-leaf style became more prevalent in the 1970s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis particular tea is made in that older open-leaf style. While the exact production date is uncertain, these details give us greater confidence in estimating the tea to be around sixty years old.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince entering our friend’s family collection, the tea has been carefully stored in clay jars. The storage has been on the drier side, with none of the dank or overly humid flavors sometimes found in aged teas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the cup, this tea is deeply satisfying and carries a character reminiscent of Dongding. It brews with strength and concentration, offering a smooth texture and excellent depth. It also received a stronger roast, which has integrated beautifully over time and blends with pleasant fruit notes and other aged flavors. The finish is long, leaving a persistent aftertaste, and the overall character strikes a beautiful balance between softness and strength.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor puer drinkers who appreciate a satisfying aged oolong—as well as for dedicated oolong lovers—this tea comes highly recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"100g","offer_id":47844541497603,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47844541530371,"sku":null,"price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/Heirloom01.jpg?v=1777273863"},{"product_id":"2004-xiaguan-special-grade-raw-puer-tuocha","title":"2004 Xiaguan Special Grade Tuocha","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1542\"\u003eThe 2004 Special Grade Tuocha (round box version) from Xiaguan Tea Factory is an excellent example of how rewarding these small, tightly compressed teas can be when both production and storage are done well. While tuochas are often associated with rougher and more assertive profiles, this tea shows a level of refinement that many drinkers may not expect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003eThis tea has undergone Taiwan natural dry storage, with enough humidity to allow it to mature and soften some of its rougher edges while preserving its more delicate aromas and subtle flavor notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"2026\"\u003eXiaguan Tea Factory produced two versions of the 2004 Special Grade Tuocha: one packaged in a round box and another in a paper bag. The round box version is generally considered to contain higher-grade leaf material than the paper bag version. This offering is the round box version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2028\" data-end=\"2508\"\u003eIn the cup, the tea carries the pungent depth typical of Xiaguan tuochas, balanced by a smoothness that keeps the profile approachable and well-rounded rather than harsh. The characteristic smokiness associated with Xiaguan teas is present, accompanied by a pleasant resinous note. Both integrate nicely into the overall flavor, adding complexity without being overwhelming. The tea also carries a lively and uplifting cha qi, leaving the drinker feeling calm, clear, and focused.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2510\" data-end=\"2623\"\u003eAmong small tuochas, this is a particularly interesting and enjoyable example, and one I am pleased to recommend.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"Whole Tuo 100g","offer_id":47844606607619,"sku":null,"price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47844606640387,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/04_xg_special01.jpg?v=1773749980"},{"product_id":"90s-ginseng-aroma-loose-leaf-ripe-puer","title":"90’s HK Storage Ginseng Aroma Loose Leaf Shou Puer","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"182\"\u003eI’ve sampled many Hong Kong stored ripe puer teas described as having a “ginseng aroma,” but this example from the 1990s stands out as one of the better expressions I’ve encountered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"184\" data-end=\"527\"\u003eFew teas in this category show the same level of cleanliness and drinkability. The liquor is dark and richly layered, with pronounced medicinal notes. The texture is smooth, creamy, and slightly oily, giving the tea a full, coating mouthfeel. A pleasant bitterness is balanced by lingering sweetness, accompanied by a strong salivating effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"759\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe overall experience is calming and grounding, making this an excellent tea for a focused, contemplative session. For those who appreciate Hong Kong stored puer with this classic character, this tea is certainly worth exploring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"150g","offer_id":47844630167811,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47844630200579,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/90_ginseng01.jpg?v=1773802115"},{"product_id":"2003-menghai-tea-factory-bulang-jing-pin","title":"2003 Bulang Jing Pin","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis tea is a somewhat controversial production. It is often described as having been commissioned from Menghai Tea Factory as a special-order production, though the details surrounding its manufacture and packaging remain unclear. I am not claiming this to be an official Menghai Tea Factory production, nor can I verify its exact origin. Regardless of its precise provenance, the tea itself has aged well and displays a character that makes it worth offering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cake has been stored on the more humid side. In Taiwan, this type of storage is often referred to as ziran cang (自然倉), or “natural storage.” As seen in the liquor color, the tea brews a deep amber rather than the brighter orange typically associated with drier storage. Despite this, the tea is clean, with no off flavors. When done well, this style of storage allows the tea to age more quickly, softening rough edges while preserving much of the tea’s original character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe profile is distinctly Bulang, with flavors reminiscent of wood, leather, and tobacco, without any smokiness. The liquor is concentrated, with a firm body, strong aftertaste, and a pleasant returning sweetness. A cooling sensation develops on the breath, and the energy of the tea is deep and penetrating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is a good choice for those who enjoy the strong character of Bulang material, as well as for drinkers who prefer semi-aged puer with a darker, more developed profile.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake 380g","offer_id":47923616907523,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47923616940291,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/03_mh_bulang01_c7da9ef6-27c6-4784-a6de-ca35946bc996.jpg?v=1773803034"},{"product_id":"90s-liubao","title":"90's Liubao","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis tea comes from Feng Tai Xiang Tea Factory and is batch No. 12 of their Feng Zi Hao series from the 1990s. The leaves were stored in their original bamboo basket, where they aged and transformed for nearly three decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite spending many years in Hong Kong storage, the tea brews remarkably clean, with no unpleasant storage notes. The characteristic betel nut aroma associated with Liubao tea is present, though it has mellowed over time and is now nicely integrated into the tea’s aged flavor profile. In the mouth the tea is very smooth, with good liveliness and an oily texture. When brewed strong in a small pot, it produces a nicely concentrated liquor with a pleasant bitterness that transforms into a lingering sweetness. Energetically, this tea is surprisingly potent and, in my opinion, best enjoyed in the morning. It has impressive endurance and just keeps giving and giving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is a very satisfying example of aged Liubao, displaying the depth of character that comes from years of aging, and one I highly recommend.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Journey Teas","offers":[{"title":"100g","offer_id":47938146042115,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sample 25g","offer_id":47938146074883,"sku":null,"price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/8260\/6083\/files\/90_liubao01.jpg?v=1776129730"}],"url":"https:\/\/journey-teas.com\/collections\/frontpage.oembed","provider":"Journey Teas","version":"1.0","type":"link"}