• Yunnan Pu-erh tea packaging, tea leaves, and a cup of tea on a white background
  • Dark brown tea cake on a white background
  • Dried tea leaves on a small plate with a cup of brewed tea on a decorative white and green surface.
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Bana Tea Company

French Export Yunnan Tuo Cha Ripe Pu-erh Tea (5.0) · 5 reviews

French Export Yunnan Tuo Cha Ripe Pu-erh Tea

$32.00 USD
$32.00 USD $32.00 USD
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Vintage: 2007
Weight: 100g (3.5 oz)
Type: Ripe Pu-erh (fermented)
Grade: 1-3
Production area: Dali, Yunnan

Sourced directly from Xiaguan Tea Factory in Dali, Yunnan Province, this tea is the iconic edition that was exported to France in 1976. The bowl-shaped pu-erh tuo cha, which dates back to 1902, was a major tea transported to Tibet from Yunnan through the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

This tuo cha has been aged in the warehouse of Xiaguan Tea Factory for almost two decades. The unique climate in high elevation Dali, which is dry and windy, creates a unique storage condition for the Xiaguan tea. There is a slight smoke scent, which is the signature scent in Xiaguan tea, and there are many brighter notes that are reminiscent of an aged raw pu-erh. What sets this ripe pu-erh tuo cha apart from other ripe pu-erh is the cooling sensation left (gan) in the mouth afterwards, which is rare among ripe pu-erh.

For more information about the history Xiaguan Tuo Cha, please click here.

Brewing guide

Use 5 grams of leaves in 6 oz water. Brew with 212 F degree water (100 C).
RINSE: 5 seconds
1st BREW: 10 seconds
2nd BREW: 5 seconds
3rd BREW: 10 seconds
4th BREW: 15 seconds
5th BREW: 15 seconds
6th BREW: 20 seconds
7th BREW: 30 seconds
8th BREW: 40 seconds

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Customer Reviews (5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Very unique and a pleasant surprise!

By KPatterson
I wanted to try this product after reading and studying a historical fiction book I read by Lisa See. It all was so new and fascinating to me. I was pleasantly suprised by this flavor which was earthy and deep. Quite different from “regular” oolong teas I have had before. I am thrilled with my tea cake and will order again!
Our Response:

Welcome to the world of pu-erh! And we are so happy that you started with the French Export Tuo Cha. It is one for the history books.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Smoky

By Cameron Bruno
Slight smoky nose and flavor, not too overwhelming. Savory and clean with a sweet finish. Thick mouthfeel. Great after a meal, has some chocolatey notes.
Our Response:

The smoky note is signature to Xiaguan Tea Factory, apparently due to the climate and high elevation of the location. As you said, the smoky note is not overwhelming, and it is quite a nice addition that sets it apart from the Menghai type of ripe pu-erh.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Smoothness

By Neal Perrin
Love the smoothness of this ripe mellow all day drinker. Get some the descriptions from Bana I have a 2018 of this brand of ripe. You can really notice the age difference very enjoyable.
Our Response:

So glad you enjoyed this tea. It is one of my favorite ripe pu-erh.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tea

By Patty ODonnell
Love the Teas Bana Tea Company sells. Always have great service and a lot of new products to try. I drink your tea everyday, and always look forward to my cup of tea.
Our Response:

So glad to hear that you drink our teas everyday and you like our new selections. We appreciate your continued support and we will bring more new products for our customers.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A Surprising Delight

By Sean Cyre
This was such a lovely tea to drink this afternoon. As I started to drink it I started to notice a cooling effect but dismissed it as wishful thinking until it got stronger. After checking Linda's write-up on it found that this Shou had Gan! The body of the tea is very full and comforting and the Gan is a welcome surprise. Anyone who loves Pu'er will love this tea.
Our Response:

Thank you for the nice review. I am so glad you felt the gan I felt. This tea in some ways resembles an aged raw. It is so clean. The storage condition in Xianguan is very intriguing.