The aroma and taste of Pu'er tea after brewing are determined by the raw materials, processing techniques, and storage conditions. Due to different storage environments in various places, the same tea can develop completely different flavor profiles after a few years of aging. When selecting mid-aged and older teas, in addition to considering factors such as brand, price, and vintage, where the tea has been stored and aged is also very important. Many tea enthusiasts enjoy drinking Pu'er tea from the Kunming Warehouse. What are the distinctive features of these teas?
Kunming is located on the Yunnan plateau at a high altitude, with relatively small annual temperature fluctuations and a climate that is moderately warm and humid. These conditions make it very suitable for storing Pu'er tea.
Compared to lower-altitude warehouses with higher temperatures and humidity, Pu'er tea stored in Kunming may undergo slower overall transformation, but it enjoys high recognition among tea enthusiasts and often commands better prices for the same vintage.
Characteristics of Pu'er Tea Stored in the Kunming Warehouse
First, Aroma: The aroma changes are relatively noticeable, often featuring Honey-like notes, but undesirable aromas such as smoky, burnt, or moldy scents are more difficult to dissipate.
Second, Liquor Color: In the first two years, there isn't much change in the color of the liquor; afterward, it begins to transform into a distinctive clear yellow hue. Typically, the liquor isn't particularly bright or thick. When the clear yellow liquor cools down, it oxidizes and turns into a clear red. Older leaves tend to produce an amber color, while younger bud teas are more likely to yield a clear red hue.
Third, Taste: In the early years, the flavor is predominantly intense, with bitterness and astringency that dissipate relatively slowly. The flavors are distinct but not very comfortable on the palate, and the sweetness is far less pronounced than in teas stored under humid conditions. Over time, the taste becomes milder, and around 3-5 years, a Plum-like acidity appears, indicating that the tea is ready for consumption.
Fourth, Leaf Base: In the first two years, there isn't much change in the leaf base, which still shows some greenness, as well as red and yellow pieces from the initial processing. After about three years, the leaf base tends to be a light greenish-yellow, with red pieces approaching the color of the tea leaves. As the years pass, the colors of the leaf base gradually become uniform.
Pu'er tea stored in the Kunming warehouse has strong predictability in terms of quality, largely avoiding issues like mold and degradation, and causing minimal damage to the tea. Its most prominent feature is its high, lingering aroma, high levels of sweetness and purity, and virtually no storage-related flavors. Even novice tea enthusiasts find it easy to drink, with good palatability that can cater to various tasting preferences.