2019 Menghai Lao Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea Brick – 500g Aged Shou Puer 老茶头熟茶砖

2019 Menghai Lao Cha Tou Ripe Pu-erh Tea Brick – 500g 老茶头熟茶砖

A substantial 500g ripe Pu-erh tea brick from Menghai, Yunnan, made in the distinctive Lao Cha Tou / 老茶头 style. Produced in 2019, this compressed tea is built around dense fermented tea nuggets rich in natural tea pectin, giving the cup a thick texture, mellow sweetness and notably smooth finish.

Tea Profile

• Tea type: Ripe Pu-erh / Shou Puer
• Style: Lao Cha Tou / Old Tea Head
• Origin: Menghai, Yunnan
• Year: 2019
• Net weight: 500g per brick
• Traditional case packing: 50 bricks per case

Flavor & Aroma

The liquor is deep red-brown, dense and rounded. Lao Cha Tou naturally emphasizes body and sweetness, with a smooth, glutinous texture, ripe woody depth and a soft caramel-like finish. The compressed nuggets release gradually, making this a satisfying tea for repeated infusions.

How to Brew

Gongfu Style

1. Break off around 7–9g tea.
2. Use a 100–150ml gaiwan or Yixing teapot.
3. Use water at 95–100°C.
4. Rinse twice for around 5 seconds each to wake the dense tea nuggets.
5. Start the first drinking infusion at 10–15 seconds.
6. Increase later infusions gradually as the tea opens.

Large Teapot Method

Use approximately 5g per 300ml near-boiling water and steep for 2–3 minutes. Because Lao Cha Tou releases slowly, it can usually be re-steeped many times.

Food Pairing

Pairs especially well with dim sum, roast meats, mushroom dishes, walnuts, sesame pastries, dark chocolate and mooncake. Its dense texture also makes it a good after-meal tea.

Tea-Room Display & Interior Styling

The kraft-paper package and bold calligraphy suit traditional Chinese, wabi-sabi and study-room interiors. Display the wrapped brick upright beside dark wood, raw clay, bamboo or aged brass accessories. For a tasting corner, pair it with a Yixing teapot, tea pick and two small cups.

Gift Ideas

The large 500g brick has a strong traditional presence and works well for housewarmings, business gifts, Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn gatherings and experienced Pu-erh drinkers. Add a tea knife or storage jar for a more complete gift set.

Storage

Store away from direct light in a clean, dry, ventilated and odor-free environment. Protect from excessive humidity, perfume, smoke, spices and household chemicals.

FAQ

What is Lao Cha Tou?

Lao Cha Tou refers to naturally compacted ripe-Pu-erh tea nuggets formed during fermentation. They are known for dense texture and slow, long-lasting extraction.

Is this raw or ripe Pu-erh?

This is ripe Pu-erh / shou puer.

What year is it?

This tea is from 2019.

How much does one brick weigh?

Each brick weighs 500g.

What does it taste like?

Expect a thick, mellow and sweet cup with ripe woody depth and a smooth, glutinous texture.

Why rinse it twice?

The dense Lao Cha Tou pieces open slowly, so two short rinses help them begin releasing flavor evenly.

What water temperature is best?

Use 95–100°C water.

Can it be steeped many times?

Yes. Lao Cha Tou is particularly well suited to repeated infusions.

Is it giftable?

Yes. The 500g brick format and traditional packaging make it a substantial Chinese tea gift.

How should I store it?

Keep it dry, ventilated and away from sunlight and strong odors.