Jingyang 650th Anniversary Fu Brick Tea (280g) - Ming Dynasty Fuzhuan Tea with Golden Flowers

• Tea Type: Fu Brick Tea (Fuzhuan Cha / 茯砖茶) / Dark Tea (Hei Cha / 黑茶)
• Production Year: 2020
• Harvest Season: Spring 2020
• Leaf Origin: Yunnan Province — Fengqing and Lincang tea regions (blended)
• Leaf Grade: Grade-1 (Yi Ji / 一级), bud-tip material (Ya Tou Liao / 芽头料)
• Fermentation Location: Jingyang, Shaanxi Province — the historical birthplace of Fu Brick Tea
• Tea Factory: On Taoism (Ji Yu Dao / 几于道) — Clean-production pioneer; 2025 World Tea Champion (Superior Leaf Award); 2015 Milan World Expo Gold Award winner
• Net Weight: 280g
• Packaging: Pre-broken chunks wrapped in paper, housed in a premium commemorative tin (yellow edition) — ideal for gifting and daily enjoyment
• Special Edition: 650th Anniversary of Fu Brick Tea (1368–2018 commemorated)
• Golden Flower Status: Abundant, naturally cultivated Eurotium cristatum — active and aromatic
• Maturity Stage: 5 years aged (2020–2025); entering smooth, mellow prime
• Production Highlights: Yunnan premium leaf material delivers brighter liquor and fresher aroma compared to traditional Shaanxi or Hunan coarse-leaf Fu Tea; clean-factory fermentation ensures purity with no off-flavors

Important Note: The pre-broken chunks may shift during shipping, causing some Golden Flower spores and tea dust to separate—this is completely normal and does not affect quality. If you prefer pristine presentation, please consider this before purchasing.

Dry Leaf Appearance and Aroma:

Dark brown to chestnut-colored chunks with visible golden-yellow specks of flourishing Jin Hua (Golden Flowers). The dry aroma is warmly fungal—reminiscent of aged cheese rind, toasted grain, and sun-dried hay—with subtle hints of dried apricot.

Wet Leaf Appearance and Aroma:

After steeping, leaves unfurl to reveal intact bud tips and young leaves, confirming the premium Grade-1 material. The wet aroma intensifies into notes of roasted barley, earthy mushroom, and a gentle sweetness like caramelized brown sugar.

Liquor Color:

Brilliant amber-orange to deep reddish-gold; exceptionally clear and luminous with no sediment—evidence of clean processing and high-grade leaf.

Taste and Mouthfeel:

he first sip reveals a fresh, lively sweetness—think honey-drizzled oat porridge with whispers of dried longan and sweet potato. The texture is velvety and full-bodied without heaviness. No bitterness, no astringency, no off-flavors—only pure, satisfying smoothness.

Empty Cup Aroma (Gua Bei Xiang / 挂杯香):

A lingering fragrance of warm baked bread, subtle floral sweetness, and a hint of aged wood remains in the empty cup.

Finish and Aftertaste (Hui Gan / 回甘):

A lasting, gently sweet aftertaste coats the throat, accompanied by a refreshing coolness and subtle salivation (Sheng Jin / 生津). The finish is clean, long, and deeply satisfying.

Body Sensation:

Warming and grounding. Many drinkers report a gentle, settling sensation in the stomach—traditionally valued for post-meal comfort. Promotes relaxation without drowsiness; suitable for afternoon or evening enjoyment.

Steeping Endurance:

Highly durable—yields 8 to 12 flavorful infusions using Gongfu method, or 3 to 4 rich sessions when simmered.

Q: What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

A: This 650th Anniversary Fu Brick Tea offers a remarkably fresh and elegant profile compared to typical dark teas. Expect an initial wave of natural sweetness reminiscent of honey, dried longan, and roasted sweet potato — followed by subtle earthy undertones of toasted grain and forest mushroom. This probiotic changes the tea's taste. It reduces bitterness while creating a mellow, sweet, and smooth flavor profile. The mouthfeel is velvety and full without any harshness, and the finish leaves a pleasant, lingering sweetness in your throat. Unlike some heavier dark teas, this one is bright, clean, and approachable—perfect for those new to Fu Tea or experienced drinkers seeking refinement.

Q: Why does this Fu Brick Tea use Yunnan leaf material instead of traditional Shaanxi or Hunan leaves?

A: Traditional Fu Brick Tea typically uses coarser, mature leaves from Shaanxi's Qinling Mountains or Hunan's Anhua region. On Taoism pioneered the use of premium Yunnan tea leaves from the renowned Fengqing and Lincang regions—areas famous for producing exceptional Pu-erh and Dian Hong teas. The tea leaves come from grade one dark tea from Lincang, Yunnan, and the tea aroma is more intense. The tea leaves come from particular grade one dark tea from Fengqing, Yunnan, and the tea aroma is deeper. This innovation results in a noticeably brighter liquor color, livelier aroma, smoother mouthfeel, and more complex sweetness than conventional Fu Brick Tea. The higher concentration of tender buds and young leaves also means more delicate flavor compounds survive the fermentation process.

Q: Why use Grade-1 bud-tip material? How does it differ from standard Fu Brick Tea?

A: Most commercial Fu Brick Tea is made from Grade-3 or Grade-4 mature leaves with stems, which produces a robust but rougher profile. This commemorative edition uses exclusively Grade-1 bud-tip material (Ya Tou Liao / 芽头料)—the tenderest, most nutrient-rich part of the tea plant. Golden Flowers can't fix poor-quality tea leaves. The starting material shapes how the final tea will taste. The result is a cleaner, more refined cup with enhanced sweetness, reduced earthiness, and superior visual clarity. You'll notice the difference immediately in the golden-amber liquor and the delicate, lingering fragrance.

Q: What are the Golden Flowers, and are they safe?

A: Its most famous feature is the "Golden Flowers" (Eurotium cristatum), a helpful mold that grows within the brick during fermentation, giving the tea its special smell and health benefits. These tiny golden-yellow specks are not contamination—they are the hallmark of authentic, high-quality Fu Brick Tea. The more abundant and evenly distributed the Golden Flowers, the better the fermentation and the higher the tea's quality. Golden Flowers contribute to the tea's mellow sweetness and potential digestive benefits. They are completely safe and are actually prized for their probiotic properties.

Q: I'm interested in an even more premium version. Is there one available?

A: Yes! For those seeking the ultimate Fu Brick Tea experience, we offer a Premium Edition made with Special-Grade Yunnan material in elegant black tin packaging. It features even more refined leaf selection, deeper complexity, and exceptional aging potential. Explore the Premium Edition here.

Gongfu Style (Recommended for Full Flavor Exploration)

This method allows you to experience the tea's evolving character across multiple infusions.

• Teaware: Gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot (120–150ml)
• Tea Amount: 5–7g of broken chunks
• Water Temperature: 100C / 212F (full boiling)
• Rinse: Pour boiling water over the tea, immediately discard after 5 seconds. This awakens the leaves and rinses away surface dust.
• First Infusion: 10–15 seconds
• Subsequent Infusions: Add 5–10 seconds per round
• Expected Yield: 8–12 satisfying infusions

Simmering Method (Zhu Cha Fa / 煮茶法)

Ideal for extracting maximum depth and body, especially in cooler weather.

• Teaware: Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel kettle/pot (500ml–1L)
• Tea Amount: 5–8g of broken chunks
• Water: Fill with cold or room-temperature filtered water
• Method: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Strain and serve. You may add more water and simmer again for 2–3 additional rounds.

Thermos Steeping Method (Men Pao Fa / 闷泡法)

Perfect for busy days when you want rich flavor with minimal effort.

• Teaware: Preheated vacuum thermos or insulated flask (500ml)
• Tea Amount: 3–5g of broken chunks
• Water Temperature: 100C / 212F
• Method: Add tea to preheated thermos, pour in boiling water, seal, and steep for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Enjoy throughout the day. Leaves can be resteeped once.

Western Style (Mug or French Press)

A convenient approach for casual enjoyment.

• Teaware: Large mug with infuser or French press (300–400ml)
• Tea Amount: 3–4g of broken chunks
• Water Temperature: 100C / 212F
• Rinse: Quick 5-second rinse, discard water
• Steeping Time: 3–5 minutes for first infusion; extend for subsequent steeps
• Expected Yield: 2–3 flavorful infusions

Storage Recommendations

Fu Brick Tea improves with age when stored properly. Follow these guidelines to preserve quality and encourage continued maturation:

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
• Temperature: Room temperature is ideal (15–25C / 59–77F); avoid extreme fluctuations
• Humidity: Moderate humidity (50–70%) supports Golden Flower vitality; avoid both excessive dryness and dampness
• Odor Isolation: Keep away from strong-smelling items (spices, perfumes, cleaning products); Fu Tea absorbs odors easily
• Container: After opening, keep chunks in the original tin or transfer to a breathable ceramic jar or kraft paper bag. Avoid airtight plastic containers, which can trap moisture
• Aging Potential: This tea will continue to mellow and develop complexity over the next 5–15 years under proper conditions