30 Years Aged "Mushroom" Jin Cha Ripe Pu-erh Tea, 1995

Sifu Lao Cha and his disciple were sitting under a sprawling banyan tree when a small, mushroom-shaped tea cake appeared in Sifu's hands.

– "Sifu, why is this tea shaped like a mushroom?" – the disciple asked, eyeing it curiously.

– "This is Jin Cha, designed long ago for easy travel along the Tea Horse Road. Its shape made it easier to stack and carry, even on a bumpy yak's back".

Sifu put the tea into a teapot and poured the dark brew into the cups.

After taking a sip, the disciple's eyes rounded: – "And how come it tastes so deep and rich?!"

– "This tea began its journey a while ago, aging quietly for 30 years. During this time, the leaves mellowed and softened, gaining a thick, creamy body. Notice the sweetness, the licorice, and the faint aroma of leather and sourdough rye bread? That's time and care at work."

The disciple sipped thoughtfully. – "So, this tea is like an elder – small, sturdy, and full of stories."

Sifu smiled. – "Exactly, my clever boy. Now, refill my cup, and let us hear more of its tales."

This mushroom-shaped (紧茶 – Jin Cha) shou Pu-erh is produced by the well-known Xiaguan Tea Factory in Dali City, Yunnan. This famous tea factory has been producing tea since 1941 and is especially renowned for its tightly compressed tea, including its signature Tuo Cha and Jin Cha shapes. This Jin Cha is made of aged Da Ye Zhong (大叶种) leaves from 1995, masterfully blended with a touch of younger tea, and pressed in 2019. 

The mushroom shape has historical roots. It was designed for easy stacking and transport along trade routes like the Tea Horse Road. It's a practical form that also creates a dense compression (紧茶 – Jin Cha, which means "Tight Tea") that influences how the tea ages. Over time, compressed Pu-erh develops better, allowing the flavors to deepen and mellow. Well-aged shou Pu-erh, like this one, acquires a smoother, richer taste, where rough edges are softened, and natural sweetness comes to shine. 

This Jin Cha, aged for over 30 years, is an excellent example of how aging benefits shou Pu-erh. The tea has a thick, creamy body that feels almost velvety on the palate. The taste is very sweet, with distinct notes of licorice, an aroma hinting at leather and sourdough rye bread, and a long lingering finish. It's a rich tea, and despite its small size (each jin cha is from 4 to 5 grams), it's potent enough to brew in a standard 110–120ml vessel and will last for many consecutive infusions.

The compact shape and size make this mushroom-shaped pu-erh incredibly convenient. It's easy to carry along on a hike, to take on a trip, or to a friend's house for a shared brew. The dense form keeps it intact and travel-friendly. If you're into well-aged shou Pu-erh with layers of complexity and an easy, portable format, this tea checks all the right boxes.

In 2024, this tea received the Gold Medal at the prestigious Tea Competition – 'The Golden Leaf Awards', being recognized for its exceptional qualities.