Dark tea & pu-erh

Post-fermented styles. Raw and ripe pu-erh offer different starting points.

Common beginner mix-up

Raw and ripe pu-erh describe processing, not simply young and old tea.

Dark, earthy tea

熟普洱 / 熟普

shú pǔ'ěr

Earth · Wood · Dark sweetness

A full, earthy cup that can suit someone seeking more body. Earthiness is a preference question, so begin with a sample.

Dark tea & pu-erh

生普洱 / 生普

shēng pǔ'ěr

Fresh greens · Soft fruit · Soft sweetness

Fresh and brisk; age and storage can change the cup substantially.

Dark tea & pu-erh

六堡茶

liù bǎo chá

Earth · Wood · Dark sweetness

An earthy, woody cup; sample it before paying an age premium.

Choosing tea · 2 minute guide

Start with small samples, choose the flavor you want and ask about age and storage before buying a cake.

Getting started · 4 minute guide

Check the label, compare a small sample and separate taste from claims about origin, age or rarity.

Brewing · 1 minute guide

A simple, repeatable first cup without a special tea set.

Choosing tea · 2 minute guide

Why a tea category is not a precise caffeine chart.